Senior lawyer and stakeholder in Kogi East Senatorial District, Mr Realwan Okpanachi, has called on the federal government to intervene in the security situation in Kogi East.
Okpanachi made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Thursday in Abuja.
He said security in Kogi East has deteriorated to an alarming and intolerable level, adding that what was once a vibrant and economically active area has become a near ghost town.
“The spate of abduction, killings and criminal operations, particularly on highways in Ofu and Olamoboro Local Government Areas has rendered the entire area unsafe and uninhabitable for ordinary citizens.
“In spite of the presence of security checkpoints on these roads, heavily armed kidnappers operate with shocking boldness, at times close to the vicinities where these security operatives are,’’ he said.
The senior lawyer disclosed that as a result, the economy of Kogi East has been adversely affected, with businesses shutting down, farms abandoned and daily economic life getting grounded.
According to him, those who can afford to flee have relocated to Lokoja, Abuja and other safer parts of the country.
He said many natives of the area now avoid visiting home, unless when absolutely necessary, such as coming for burial and other extremely important matters.
Okpanachi added that only those who could afford heavily armed security escort dare to travel freely in and out of the area.
“For the average citizen, movement is now a matter of life and death.’’
He also called on the state government to live up to its utmost responsibility of protecting the lives and property of citizens.
“This is an urgent call on the federal government, armed forces, Inspector-General of Police, director-general of the Department of State Services, DSS, and other relevant agencies.
“They should intervene immediately and decisively, as the security situation in Kogi East cannot continue to be ignored. It is no longer a local problem, but national emergency,’’ Okpanachi said. (NAN)
