Democracy Day: Okun Media Professionals Urge Govt to End Insecurity in Okunland
By Temiloluwa Samuel
Okun Media Professionals, a body of journalists and media practitioners from the Okun-speaking area of Kogi West, has called on federal and state authorities to take urgent steps to end the rising wave of insecurity in Okunland.
In a Democracy Day statement signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Chief Olugbemi Femi and Comrade Bolu Obahopo and made available to newsmen in Lokoja, the group said the celebration of democracy should not be overshadowed by fear, kidnappings, killings, and attacks on farmers and travelers across Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba East, Yagba West,Mopa-Muro and Lokoja LGAs.
“Democracy loses meaning when citizens cannot sleep in their homes, farm on their land, or travel without fear. Okunland, which is known for peace and industry, is gradually becoming unsafe due to banditry, kidnapping, and herder-farmer clashes,” the statement read.
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The media professionals urged the Kogi State Government, security agencies, and the Federal Government to deploy more personnel, improve intelligence gathering, and establish functional security posts in vulnerable communities. They also called for better welfare and logistics for operatives stationed in rural areas.
They stressed that economic development in Okunland cannot thrive under constant threat. “Our people are traders, farmers, and entrepreneurs. Insecurity is killing businesses and forcing youths to abandon their communities. Government must act now before the situation degenerates further,” they said. The group noted with concerns the recent event in Ikoyi-Ijumu, Odo-Ere in Yagba West and Iluke-Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, urged the authorities to raise the bar in eleminating the activities of the bandits in the area
As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, Okun Media Professionals appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, and youths to support security agencies with credible information while rejecting jungle justice and reprisal attacks.
They concluded that a secure Okunland is necessary for the dividends of democracy to reach the people.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JUNE 12TH 2026)
