The Biraidu Development Elites, a respected sociocultural group, has made an urgent appeal to the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, warning that Abocho and surrounding communities in Dekina Local Government Area are rapidly becoming a safe haven for kidnappers.
In a statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Mr. John Momoh, the elites expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity in Abocho and neighbouring villages such as Ofafu and Adiyele. They alleged that criminal gangs now use the forests and rural roads around the communities as transit routes to move victims abducted from Ofu Local Government Area and along the busy Abuja–South-East Highway.
According to the group, many of the kidnapping incidents go largely unreported, leaving residents feeling abandoned and invisible. They further disclosed that in the past two months, local search parties have discovered several unidentified bodies in nearby bushes, a development that has heightened fear and anxiety among the people.
“Abocho has gradually turned into a depot where kidnappers keep or move their victims,” the statement said. “These criminals now operate almost openly because there appears to be little or no resistance to their activities.”
Economic and Social Collapse
The elites lamented that the growing insecurity has crippled economic and social life in the area. Markets that once served as vibrant centres of trade during market days are now deserted as farmers, traders, and residents continue to flee in fear.
They also highlighted the deplorable condition of infrastructure in the community, noting that roads are barely motorable and there is no functional primary healthcare centre. As a result, residents feel completely cut off from the rest of the state.
“Abocho has simply fallen off the map. There are no good roads, no hospitals, and now even our markets have collapsed due to fear. We are appealing to Governor Ododo to treat this situation as an emergency,” Momoh added.
Call for Urgent Security Intervention
The Biraidu Development Elites called on the Kogi State Government to urgently deploy a joint security task force to the area. They recommended regular military patrols to clear the forests surrounding the communities, the establishment of a mobile police unit along key transit routes, and government support for local vigilante groups to strengthen intelligence gathering.
The group expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor Ododo, stating that swift intervention could restore peace and stability to the affected communities.
“We still trust that Governor Ododo has the capacity and commitment to keep Kogi State safe. Abocho must not be allowed to disappear through neglect,” the statement concluded.
