Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho of Kogi East has paid a courtesy visit to Omala local government area of the State following recent attacks that resulted in over 25 deaths in the area by a Fulani militia group that invaded Abejukolo overnight.
The senator, represented by his special assistant on domestics Ibrahim Ahmodu was received by the local government chairman and community leaders.
Echocho, sympathizing with the local government chairman and the victims of the attack, assured that the government would do everything possible to ensure an amicable resolution of the crisis.
OBSERVERSTIMES recalled that Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, announced on Wednesday the arrest of the perpetrators of last week’s crisis in which about 25 people were killed in Bagana, Omala Local Government Area of the state.
The gunmen, suspected to be armed herdsmen, also destroyed property worth millions of naira in the community during the attack.
The governor, speaking with journalists on Wednesday, shortly after the Eid-el-Fitri prayers at the Okene central prayer ground, said the perpetrators as well as their sponsors had been arrested, adding that an investigation was ongoing to ascertain the extent of participation of those arrested.
Ododo criticized those who have been critical of his government, describing them as “noisemakers and those without a stake in governance.”
The Bagana crisis in the Omala Local Government Area has a long history, dating back to over 45 years ago, precisely in 1978. Efforts are being made to restore peace in the area.
“As I speak to you today, the suspected sponsors have been arrested, investigations are ongoing. They are providing us with useful information that will lead to the arrest of other suspects. As soon as we conclude the investigation, the report will be made known to the public.”