By Usman Bashir
In the aftermath of the killing of Abu Okelewu penultimate weekend by suspected Fulani Herdsmen in Ojuwo Ajochada community, the Executive Chairman of Omala Local Government, Hon. Edibo Peter Ameh Mark has convened a high-level security meeting involving heads of Security Agencies, community levels and other key stakeholders within the local government.
In his remarks, the Zonal Security Adviser to Kogi State Governor, Rt Hon. Ahmed Mohammed MPI condoled with the family of Late Abu Okelewu and sued for calm and restraints, advising seriously against taking laws into our hands by embarking on reprisal attacks.
He reiterated government’s commitment to ensure a safe community for both indigenes and settlers. According to Hon. Ahmed, “no stranger can do any evil in a community without the connivance of an indigene. I call upon all community leaders and everyone to expose informants and sponsors of insecurity in their domains to relevant security agencies. This is the only way we can rid our communities of criminal elements and ensure safe environment for us all”.
He called on District Heads and other community leaders to promptly report any suspicious movements or strange faces to relevant security agencies; emphasizing that harbouring and shielding informants and criminal elements in our communities is an invitation to an insecure community.
The Executive Chairman, Hon. Edibo Peter Ameh Mark in his address condoled with the family of the late Abu Okelewu, describing him as a humble and peaceful young man who’s death is a very painful loss to all.
Hon. Edibo said that such killings has never happened in Ojuwo in its history. He said that investigations are currently on going to fish out those behind the killing and all those who were involved would face the law squarely regardless. He hinted that preliminary investigations showed that the killing has insider undertone.
The Executive Chairman used the opportunity of the meeting to inform all communities in the local government area that security intelligence available has pointed to the fact that killings and uprising within our communities are caused by many factors with herdsmen attacks being the most worrisome.
He warned that individuals who have issues among themselves should not hide under the guise of the prevalent fulani herdsmen attack to harm their enemies. He said our communities have lived peacefully with the Fulanis for years and regretted the latest developments.
The Executive Chairman also stated that he has never collected money from any Fulani group for them to come and dwell in Omala LGA . He said that those peddling the lies are haters of the land who go about spreading unfounded rumours. He said that anyone caught peddling the lies will surely be asked to prove his position. He said that he would not tolerate people coming up with this monumental lies all in their vain bid to rubbish his government.
Hon. Edibo said by the constitution of Nigeria, any Nigerian has a right to live in any part of the country hence he can not act outside the content of the constitution but what he would not accept is for settlers to invade and destroy lives and properties of the people of Omala Local Government Area.
To all those who have blamed him of incapacity in handling the Fulani Herdsmen crisis in the land, Hon. Edibo said that if they have conscience they should have thanked him for significantly improving on the security situations of Omala LGA. He said that the crisis long preceded his administration but said proudly that no other administration at the local level has tackled the issue of insecurity in Omala like he has done in just over a year. He reminded everyone that Bagana which is seeing human and economic activities recently was a seized territory by Fulani Herdsmen who openly were collecting taxes and levies from indigenes for over two years before he assumed office. Agbenema was burnt down before he came in. Ikpoba, Agabifo, Ikede road, Obakume/ Ojuwo Ugwechi were all experiencing untold insecurity including kidnapping before he came in as chairman of Omala LGA. He said his administration has legally committed Fulani settlers in Omala and that any Fulani who forments trouble in Omala will be brought to book.
Hon. Edibo admonished and charged all traditional leaders, community leaders and youth leaders to constantly engage their citizens on security matters as this is the only way they can be proactive in averting any attacks. He also charged the leaders in various communities to sternly warn their children that anyone who is an informant to any criminal group or anyone who hides under any guise to kill or destroy property in any community will face the full wrath of the law as no efforts would be spared to rid Omala of criminal elements.
Present at the meeting were members of Omala Executive and legislative Councils, government appointees, heads of Security Agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
