OKUN SECURITY IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE MEETS ON THE DETERIORATING SECURITY SITUATION IN OKUNLAND
As part of ongoing efforts by the Okun Development Association (ODA) to address the alarming security situation in Okunland, it’s Security Implementation Committe has just risen from a strategy meeting in Abuja to address the situation.
The meeting received reports of the persistent security breaches and challenges in Okunland; the most recent being the kidnapping of the Traditional Ruler of Okoleke, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State and the babaric murder of three(3) local hunters in their bid to secure the release of the reverred Monarch.
After a thorough and extensive deliberation on the situation, the Committee identified specific actionable actions that needed to be taken in the IMMEDIATE, SHORT, MEDIUM, AND LONG TERMS and the STRATEGIES to execute them.
In doing so, the Committee further identified actions that are within the competence of the Committee and the Okun Development Association on the one hand, to bolster the security of the people of Okunland as distinct from those actions that fall squarely within the jurisdiction of Governments at all levels and their security apparatus on the other.
The Committee noted that while the situation cannot be said to have overwhelmed the security agencies who are doing their utmost under very difficult circumstances, their responses appear slow and less impactful.
The Committee therefore calls for the intensification of all ongoing efforts at all levels including closer synergy and interagency collaboration.
The kidnapping of the Traditional Ruler of Okoloke and the reported killing of three (3) hunters who were in pursuit of the kidnappers have been received with alarm and sadness.
It has fuelled the fear and apprehension of insecurity across Okunland.
As the Committee begins the implementation of its programmes and strategies to address the situation in the name of Okun Development Association, the Committee appeals for calm and the maximum cooperation of the people of Okunland in this onerous task and collective responsibility.
The Committee expresses immense gratitude to the State Governor HE Usman Ahmed ODODO for his visionary leadership in steering the ship of State with a view to banishing fear and insecurity in Kogi State.
It reiterates its appeal to the Federal Government especially the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the security agencies for greater and visible efforts at addressing the situation.
In this regard, the Committee calls on the Local Government authorities to rededicate themselves to addressing the situation at the grassroots level in close partnership with the Traditional Rulers, local hunters and vigilantes.
The Committee concluded its meeting by assuring the people of Okunland that by working and walking together, the kidnappers, bandits, and insurgents would not prevail in Okunland.
