KOGI CENTRAL LEADERS CONDEMN RISING CRIME IN THEIR AREA

Leaders of Kogi Central Senatorial Zone met weekend in Abuja to express serious concern about rising crime in their community.

The meeting which was convened by the Kogi Central Advancement Initiative, took place on Saturday, 21st February, 2015, in Abuja - three days before the kidnapping of an American missionary on Tuesday. It was attended by a cross-section of critical stakeholders of Ebira polity, traditional rulers, political leaders, retired top military/para military personnel, academia, captains of industry, youths and women groups.

"We strongly condemn the random assassinations, kidnappings and armed robberies in the area. We are concerned that there has not been effective intervention by the security agents, the Nigeria Police in particular given their constitutional responsibilities", the meeting said in a communique signed by Mohammed Aliyu, a retired banker, yesterday.

"We note, sadly, that no suspect has been prosecuted by the security agents for these crimes to serve as deterrence to others. Also, there is a clear absence of effective leadership at the traditional, spiritual and political levels in the state. The resultant vacuum is today being filled by criminals who operate with impunity", Aliyu added.

The meeting called for the formation of community Vigilante groups and Community Security Committee, comprising credible retired military and paramilitary personnel, community leaders, women and youth, in each community.

The leaders also tasked traditional rulers to hold regular consultations with their subjects.

The various communities are to be encouraged to be very vigilant. In this regard, intelligence gathering towards better law enforcement was stressed.

The imposition of curfew in volatile communities as and when appropriate, the leaders said, should be encouraged and supported by the local and state Government. A permanent ban on motor-cycle riders at night as done in many parts of Nigeria where motorcycle riders still operate, should also be imposed immediately.

Other resolutions include an urgent need for a high-powered delegation to the Kogi State Government to present the security challenges in the community; the need for the Kogi State Government to implement, in full, the Government White Paper on all the crises in Kogi Central, especially the Report on the Reconciliation Committee for Ebiraland by the Gen. Chris Ali Panel; and the need for a meeting with the political party leaders in the area to canvass for peaceful elections.

The meeting called for a critical review and modernization of the activities of traditional  institutions. Such a review will take cognisance of the timing, location and rules governing participation in these festivals, especially as regards masquerade custodianship.

The leaders also want quality representation at all levels of elective and appointive positions in the community. The dearth of quality political leadership is a serious concern.

They resolved to liaise with other influential individuals of Ebira descent to get he Federal Government to establish a Military Command in the area.