Insecurity: Kogi monarchs promise stronger collaboration with security agencies

Traditional rulers in Kogi West Senatorial District have resolved to strengthen collaboration with security agencies through a community-based approach to tackle insecurity across Okunland.

The resolution was reached during a meeting of the Okun Area Council Traditional Authority held at the palace of the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, over the weekend.

The meeting, attended by first-class and other traditional rulers from the five local government areas in Okunland, reviewed security challenges, peace and development issues affecting the region.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by Owoniyi, those present included the Elegbe of Egbe, Oba Irukera; the Agbana of Isanlu, Oba Etombi; the Elulu of Mopa, Oba Ibeun; and the Olujumu of Ijumu, Oba Ayeni.

The statement said the monarchs commended President Bola Tinubu and Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, for what they described as improved security efforts in the district but stressed the need for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies.

“While discussing security, the royal fathers resolved to collaborate with security agencies to ensure more people are involved and to adopt a community-based approach to fighting insecurity,” the statement said.

It added that each monarch highlighted the security challenges in his domain and proposed a united strategy to address the common threats.

“One after the other, the royal fathers spoke about challenges in their respective domains and proposed a united approach to resolving the common challenges,” the statement added.

The council also intervened in a dispute involving two traditional rulers in Yagba West Local Government Area, directing that the matter be withdrawn from court to pave the way for reconciliation.

“The council has immediately intervened and asked that the matter be withdrawn from court, while inviting the parties for a meeting on Sunday for amicable resolution,” it stated.

In a separate meeting in Kabba, the Okun Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Forum commended the Tinubu and Ododo administrations for improved security in the district and endorsed Hon. Sam Aro Bemidele as the All Progressives Congress candidate for the Kogi West Senatorial District.

The group said recent security successes, including the reported killing of suspected bandit leader Batijo in Iluke, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, reflected the impact of the state’s investments in security infrastructure, intelligence gathering and collaboration with local security outfits.