IKOYI/IJUMU BANDIT ATTACK: HON. SANNI JIDE TASKS FG AND KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT ON URGENT SECURITY FUNDING AS BANDITRY SPREADS ACROSS KABBA/BUNU, IJUMU, YAGBA EAST, YAGBA WEST AND MOPAMURO LGAs
Hon. Sanni Jide has raised a strong alarm over the worsening security situation in Kogi West following the recent bandit attack in Ikoyi, Ijumu, describing the development as “deeply disturbing, unacceptable, and a direct threat to the survival of rural communities across the senatorial district.”
He noted that the attack is not an isolated incident but part of a broader security crisis affecting five major Local Government Areas in Kogi West, including Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba East, Yagba West, and Mopamuro, where residents have continued to live under fear due to recurring criminal invasions, kidnappings, and attacks along rural roads and forest corridors.
Hon. Jide strongly condemned the violence and expressed heartfelt sympathy to families who lost loved ones, those injured, and all residents whose livelihoods have been disrupted. He described the situation as a humanitarian concern that requires urgent and coordinated intervention from all levels of government.
He specifically called on the Federal Government, Kogi State Government, and security agencies to immediately scale up funding and operational capacity to confront the rising insecurity in the region. According to him, inadequate funding and poor logistics have weakened the ability of security forces to respond effectively to the fast-evolving tactics of armed groups operating within forested areas.
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The house of representatives candidate for Kabba Bunu-Ijumu under the umbrella of NDC further emphasized that restoring peace in Kogi West must now be treated as a national priority, warning that continued attacks could lead to mass displacement, economic collapse in rural communities, and disruption of agricultural activities that many families depend on for survival.
Hon. Sanni Jide outlined key urgent measures that must be taken, including:
Massive reinforcement of security personnel across all vulnerable communities
Establishment of well-equipped forward operational bases in strategic locations within Kogi West
Improved intelligence gathering, surveillance drones, and forest monitoring systems
Increased funding for joint military, police, local vigilante and civil defence operations
Strengthened collaboration with local vigilantes and community security networks
Emergency support and rehabilitation for victims of bandit attacks
He also called for unity among political leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and community stakeholders, stressing that insecurity cannot be solved in isolation but through collective responsibility and sustained political will.
According to him, “The people of Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba East, Yagba West, and Mopamuro deserve peace, dignity, and protection. Our rural communities should not be turned into battlegrounds where criminals operate freely while citizens live in fear.”
Hon. Jide reaffirmed his commitment to consistently advocate for stronger security architecture, community protection, and development-driven policies that will restore confidence in governance and ensure lasting peace across Kogi West.
He concluded by urging immediate action, warning that delays in response could further embolden criminal elements and worsen the already fragile security situation in the region.
Hon. Sanni Jide
House of representatives candidate
KABBA BUNU IJUMU FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY
NDC
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JUNE 8TH 2026)
