“INCREASED BANDITRY ACTIVITIES IN OKUNLAND CONDEMNABLE; OUR PEOPLE LIVE IN PERPETUAL FEAR; URGENT NEED FOR DECISIVE ACTIONS BY KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT, SECURITY AGENCIES” – HON. TEEJAY YUSUF
Following reports of increased activities of armed bandits in Okunland, especially in Egbe environs, and other communities, Hon. TeeJay Yusuf, a former member of the House of Representatives has condemned the incidents in strongest terms.
Yusuf, in a statement issued Thursday in Abuja declared that, “the peace loving people of communities across Okunland, for some time, have been victims of attacks by armed bandits for no just cause. It is very sad that they are subjected to perennial harassment, intimidation, and kidnapping by these shadowy charlatans. From reports, the nefarious, and callously wicked activities of these criminals, which started in Bunu Land, have spread to other communities in Okunland.”
Yusuf, explained further that, “it is saddening and painful that these felons have increased their activities on innocent people in communities around Egbe, headquarters of Yagba West LGA. As a result of the rising incidents of armed bandits across Okunland, the vast majority of our people who are basically farmers have practically abandoned their farmland; out of fear of being kidnapped. Unfortunately, this development has led to hunger, hardship, and poverty in these communities.”
While calling on the need for decisive actions to protect lives and properties in Okunland, Yusuf charged, “the Kogi state government to embark on pro-active measures in tackling the prevailing activities of armed bandits across our communities. The government should ensure that it matches promises with necessary actions towards achieving the goal of ensuring the protection of the lives and properties of people. Also, while I commend the Nigerian Police Force, and other security agencies for their efforts, so far, I call for more collaboration and synergy amongst and between them towards ensuring that these armed bandits are completely wiped out of Okunland.”
