Residents of the Odo-Ape community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State have taken to the streets to protest the worsening security situation that has claimed lives and led to a spate of kidnappings in the area.
The protest was sparked by the tragic killing of two individuals by suspected gunmen. According to eyewitness accounts, the gunmen ambushed and shot dead a Tiv farmer, popularly known as Mr. Black, while he was transporting his farm produce to market. Another victim, identified as Sunday Aiyedero, was fatally shot while working on a nearby farm.
A resident, speaking anonymously, described the harrowing ordeal:
“The gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, gunned down Mr. Black when he refused to stop after being flagged down. They also shot Sunday Aiyedero, who was on his farm. The situation is unbearable, and we can no longer sleep with our eyes closed.”
Protesters Block Federal Highway
In a show of outrage, angry youths from the community staged a protest, blocking the federal highway passing through the area. The protesters accused the state government of neglecting their repeated cries for help, demanding immediate action to address the rising insecurity.
Rising Insecurity and Community Demands
Residents have reported a troubling pattern of kidnappings, with at least seven abductions in the last three months alone. The community claims to have repeatedly reached out to state authorities, but no substantial measures have been taken to improve security.
The protesters called on the federal government to intervene and restore peace, emphasizing the urgency of ending the cycle of killings and abductions.
A Plea for Action
The killings and abductions have left the community living in fear, with residents urging both state and federal authorities to deploy security personnel to the area and implement long-term measures to curb the menace.
As tensions rise, the Odo-Ape community’s plea for intervention serves as a stark reminder of the growing insecurity plaguing rural areas across Nigeria.