THE Kogi State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday, raised the alarm that their State government was stockpiling weapons and also training 3,000 militia in the guise of vigilantes ahead of next month elections.
Addressing news men in Abuja yesterday, the state Chairman of the Party, Dr Sam Uhuto, pleaded with Security forces to take urgent actions to avert the looming political crisis and widespread destruction of lives and property in the state.
Dr Uhuto equally called on the military high command to investigate the ease and frequency with which officers and men are dragged into issues in which the State Governor has special interest.
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According to him, “we call on the National Peace Committee under the eminent leadership of Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar (rtd), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs , the Civil Society Organisations and the international community to pay special attention to the veritable flash point which Kogi has become in the forthcoming elections and prevail on the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello,to desist from promoting state-sponsored violence in order to spare the innocent people of the State from inexorable catastrophe that is now unfolding like a Greek tragedy
Uhuto also expressed concern about the increasing brazenness and ferocity with which violence is being unmeshed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) thugs.
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According to him, “This is because it is an indication of active connivance or tacit endorsement by State functionaries especially the Local Government Administrators who now function like are commanders
“There have also been more recent revelations of arms build-up in the State as well as arming and training of 3,000 strong military disguised as vigilantes at the Kogi Confluence Stadium, Lokoja. We belief these militia are being prepared for full-scale deployment to unleash violence and disruption during the forthcoming elections.”
Those present at the press conference include former governors of the state, Capt. Idris Wada, Ibrahim Idrs and former acting governor, Clarence Olufemi, Senator Dino Melaye among others.
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