HELP! “We can’t go to farm, we can’t travel home” – ODA Raises Alarm over Insecurity in Okunland
Okun Development Association (ODA), the umbrella socio-cultural Union of Yoruba speaking people of Kogi State, has raised an alarm over what it called grave insecurity in the area and called on the state government to find lasting solution.
The call follows escalating cases of robbery, kidnapping, and killing in Okunland, especially the last week abduction of a first class monarch, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda from his palace in Okoloke community of Yagba West Local government area and four others, coupled with the subsequent killing of three other persons in the same community.
ODA President General Akenson Rotimi who made this known on Wednesday in a statement, signed and circulated among newsmen said the people could no longer come home for fear of abduction, business people are closing up, while farmers are afraid of going to their farms.
“The Okun Development Association is convened today to address a pressing concern that has been weighing heavily on the hearts and minds of our people. The recent surge in terrorist attacks, kidnappings, killings, and other security threats across the six Local Government Areas of Kogi State that comprise Okun Land has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. The impact of these developments on our socio-economic activities cannot be overstated.
“Our markets are deserted, our farms are untended, and our businesses are struggling to stay afloat. The situation demands urgent attention and collective action.
“We acknowledge the efforts of our security agencies, including the military and police, who have been working tirelessly to combat these threats. Their bravery and dedication are commendable, and we appreciate the sacrifices they make to keep us safe. However, we also recognize the crucial role that community-led initiatives play in addressing security challenges. Our hunters and vigilante groups have been instrumental in providing support to the security agencies and helping to maintain peace in our communities. We commend their efforts and call for greater collaboration between these groups and the security agencies.”
Akenson who did a chronology of gunmen attacks in the area l, dated it back to May 2, 2021 when a Commissioner in the state, Solomon Adegbayo was killed on a journey from Ilorin, while his co-traveler, Pius Kolawole, the chairman of Yagba West Local government was whisked away. He said ever since, the rate of insecurity in the area was yet to abate.
He said though the association has made frantic and proactive efforts to salvage the situation, but much is still left for the state and Federal Government security apparatus to engaged in.
“It is common knowledge that Okun Development Association (ODA), a socio-cultural organization representing the Okun-Yoruba people of Kogi State, has taken many proactive steps to tackle insecurity in Okun land. On the 28th of March 2025, the ODA organized a Stakeholders Security Summit, in Kabba, bringing together stakeholders from various sectors to brainstorm solutions to the insecurity challenges plaguing our land. – ODA has also been advocating for proper profiling of settlers in Okun land to enhance security.This initiative aims at identifying and addressing potential security threats posed by strangers not profiled before settling in our communities.
“As part of ongoing efforts by the Okun Development Association (ODA) to address the alarming security situation in Okunland, the Security Implementation Committee set up following the Okun Security Summit in March 2025, met in Abuja over the weekend 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 Oba Dada James Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okololeke and the barbaric murder of three (3) local hunters in their bid to secure the release of the revered Monarch.
“The Committee noted that while the situation cannot be said to have overwhelmed the security agencies that are doing their utmost under very difficult circumstances, their responses appear less impactful.
“The ODA has therefore decided to take some immediate Actions that are within the competence of the Security Committee and the Okun Development Association to bolster the security of the people of Okunland.
“The Immediate Actions include the following: Mobilizing Hunters and Vigilantes into the bush to rescue the Traditional ruler. They are still combing the bush.
“Financial assistance shall be given to all Okun Hunters that died in the line of duty in the recent past as morale booster for the ones still alive and working and to assist the families of the deceased persons.
“Health Insurance is also to be purchased for Okun Hunters and Vigilantes to cater for financial needs arising from operational hazards relating to their duties.
“Profiling of residents across Okun Communities through the office of Traditional Rulers is to begin immediately. In this regard a template to use across Okun land is being designed by the Committee and will be distributed by the leadership of ODA paying visits to the relevant Traditional Rulers.
“Okun Development Association is deepening its collaboration with the Governments at levels and the law Enforcement Agencies to find sustainable solutions to this hydra headed problem confronting the area.
“We also call on the Commissioner of Police and other security operatives in the state to take charge and ensure that the upsurge in kidnapping, bank robberies, and other criminalities across the state are dealt with decisively. Furthermore, we appeal to our royal fathers to work together with security agencies and relevant authorities to address the security challenges in our land. “In conclusion, we remain committed to working with the government and security agencies to restore peace and security to Okun Land and Okoleke. We urge our citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. Together, we can build a safer and more prosperous Okun land.”
End.
