Due to incessant kidnappings and worsening insecurity in Oke-Ere community in Yagba West local government area of Kogi State, some women from the area have staged a protest, calling an end to the menace.
According to reports emanating from the community that kidnappings have become a daily affair in the area and that the people have become helpless.
The sources said a certain kidnapper (name withheld) came out publicly to denounce kidnapping and mentioned some natives of the area being part of them, pointed out that the continued denial of those natives prompted the women to stage the protest.
The women were worried that their own kinsmen could connive with foreigners to inflict pain on them, called on the security agencies and the state government to come to their aid.
However, Tosin Olokun, chairman of the local government who dismissed the report, said that the women coming out in their numbers is an annual occurrence, and it has nothing to do with kidnappings or violent crimes in the area.
He explained that the procession by the women was with the knowledge of the chief of the community, the Elere of Ere, and that proper permission was granted by the council before the commencement of the procession by the women.
Hon Femi Adeyeye, supervisory councilor for Special Duties and Education, who was also in charge of the security in the LGA, who spoke on behalf of the chairman called on the public to disregard the protest issue.
According to him, the council has been waging war against crimes and criminality in the area, saying the issue of women protesting against kidnappings in the area is not true.
“The Women usually come out every year as a tradition to pray for the community and rain courses on the people who may be disturbing the peace of the community.”
“I can send the video to you to see and get the interpretation. There was nothing like protest. What happened three days ago is a normal yearly assemblage of women who pray for the peace of the community,” he added.
Recall that kidnappings and other violent crimes has become a regular feature in the Kogi West senatorial district of the state in recent times.
Last month, the people of the Oduape community in the Kabba Bunu local government area of Kogi West staged a similar protest against incessant kidnappings and killings in the area.
- ADHA To Repeal Law, Extend Tenure Of Local Govt Council - June 14, 2025
- Gov Zulum Pardon 66 Inmates, Provides Support To 1,280 Others - June 14, 2025
- Gov Fintiri Vows To Restore Electricity To Communities Ravaged By Insurgency - June 14, 2025