Following incidents of kidnapping, robbery, and killings of innocent people in Kogi West, the Okun Development Association (ODA), the umbrella socio-cultural union of the Yoruba-speaking people of Kogi State, has called for the comprehensive profiling of residents in Okun communities, led by traditional rulers, using a standard template currently being developed.
ODA President-General, Akenson Rotimi, in a statement released on Thursday, expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation.
He raised the alarm over rising insecurity in Kogi West and urged the state and federal governments to take urgent action.
“Our people no longer feel safe returning home. Business owners are shutting down, and farmers are afraid to go to their farms. The impact on our socio-economic activities is devastating,” he said.
Akenson highlighted how markets have emptied, businesses are struggling, and agricultural activities have stalled. He acknowledged the efforts of security agencies, including the police and military, but stressed the crucial role of community-led initiatives such as hunters and vigilante groups in maintaining order.
He provided a timeline of violent incidents dating back to 2 May 2021, when Commissioner Solomon Adegbayo was killed and Pius Kolawole, then Yagba West chairman, was abducted.
He noted that insecurity in the area has only worsened since then.
Despite the ODA’s efforts—including a Stakeholders Security Summit held on 28 March 2025 in Kabba—the crisis persists. The summit brought together stakeholders to propose community-based solutions, including the profiling of settlers in Okunland to detect potential threats.
Following the summit, the ODA’s Security Implementation Committee met recently in Abuja to review the situation. The committee received updates on ongoing security breaches and condemned the abduction of Oba Ogunyanda and the killing of local hunters who attempted to rescue him.
“While security agencies are doing their best, their efforts have yet to produce the desired results,” the committee observed.
To address the crisis, the ODA announced several immediate actions:
Mobilisation of hunters and vigilantes into the bush to rescue the kidnapped monarch.
Financial assistance to the families of hunters who died in active duty as a morale booster for others still serving.
Health insurance for hunters and vigilantes to cover hazards encountered during operations.
The ODA reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and law enforcement agencies to develop long-term solutions. It also called on the Kogi State Commissioner of Police and other security operatives to step up efforts against kidnappings, robberies, and violent crimes.
The statement urged traditional rulers to support these initiatives and collaborate with authorities to tackle the region’s security challenges.
“We remain committed to restoring peace and security to Okunland. We urge all residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. Together, we can reclaim our communities,” Akenson concluded.
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