Kogi East, the Igala-speaking part of the state, has dominated the media space recently.
Yesterday, more than 35 people were killed by armed bandits who invaded Agojeju-Odo in Omala Local Government Area, Kogi State, and nobody knows which village is next.
It is important to note that the killings in Omala have been ongoing for years, and the government is shying away from its responsibility to address it.
We cannot play with people’s lives for politics or personal interests. If these killings continue, who would vote for politicians in the next election?
Bandits have turned Ogane-Nigu in Dekina and Agojeju in the local government into fertile grounds for massive killings.
What baffles me the most is the silence of the governor and those elected to represent the people of Omala.
The people have a member of the House of Representatives who is the deputy house leader, a ranking member.
They also have a state Assembly member who is of the same political party as the governor, meaning they have unrestricted access to authority from the National Assembly to the state. Yet, many killings are ongoing in Omala but are being swept under the carpet.
It’s very concerning that the government remains silent. Is it because this is not happening in Okene? The entire Ejule-Aloma road to Olamaboro LGA is now a haven for kidnappers. They operate day and night without restriction, as if there is no single government in Kogi State.
It’s perplexing how Usman Ododo has relocated to Abuja, leaving the state ungoverned. A sitting Governor should see himself as a leader despite ongoing court cases. The ability to multitask and manage the entire state arsenal makes one a good leader. Even the last administration failed in addressing this same issue.
I know some people will call me a wailer or ethnic champion, but before you do that, kindly go to Agojeju village in Omala to see what happened there. Or rather, if these devils invade your village (which we don’t pray for), will you still be comfortable defending a government that has failed in its basic duty?
Let’s all stand up and hold our leaders accountable for their duties, else this country will crumble by our own hands.
Usman Ododo, wake up from your slumber and act now. Governance is beyond moving from one VIP house to another and having breakfast.
I am Usman Okai Austin
Writing from Abuja as usual
