…State govt intensifies fight against insecurity
Dare Babalola
A massive protest is ongoing in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State on Thursday following the gruesome murder of three police officers and two vigilante officials.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday when the officers were attacked at a checkpoint in Egbe, sparking tension in the community.
In recent months, the Egbe community and its environs have faced numerous deadly attacks from unidentified gunmen, raising concerns over the safety of security personnel and the capacity of vigilante groups who complement police efforts in rural communities.
The latest killings prompted irate youths to take to the streets of Egbe, calling on the government to end the incessant slayings of their loved ones.
The youths also called on house owners in the community to not rent their houses to people with questionable characters, while also urging business owners to desist from conducting business with the same set of people.
Some of the inscriptions on their placards read, “Stop renting your house to informants, kidnappers”, “Stop selling bread to kidnappers”.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government on Thursday disclosed that it has intensified the fight against insecurity in the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo said the state government was “deeply concerned” by the reports, and had directed security agencies to unravel the circumstances behind the killings.
He said, “We stand in solidarity with the people in the affected areas and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen officers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their courage will continue to inspire the fight against criminality in our dear state.
“The Government of Kogi State calls on security agencies to intensify investigations to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are arrested and brought to justice without delay.
“We equally urge citizens to continue to cooperate with security operatives by providing timely and useful information that will aid the fight against crime.
“Together with the support of the people and the resilience of our security agencies, we will overcome those who seek to disrupt the peace of our land.”
