The Ukomu Igala Organization has declared that the era of unchecked criminality in Kogi East Senatorial District is over, following rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, killings and herders-farmers clashes across the area.
The declaration formed part of a communiqué issued at the end of a town hall meeting convened by the organisation at Monitec Hotel in Anyigba to address the worsening security situation in the district and explore lasting solutions.
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed deep concern over the increasing wave of attacks, especially in Omala Local Government Area and the Ogane-Enigu and Ochipu communities within the Dekina/Bassa axis between January and May 2026.
According to the communiqué, the persistent violence has led to loss of lives, destruction of homes and farm produce, displacement of families and severe disruption of economic activities in affected communities.
The group, however, resolved that criminal activities would no longer be tolerated in Kogi East, insisting that perpetrators, irrespective of ethnic background, must face the full weight of the law.
The communiqué identified weak early warning systems, poor intelligence gathering and ineffective response mechanisms as some of the major factors fueling insecurity in the region.
Participants at the meeting also recalled decades of peaceful coexistence between Fulani settlers and Igala/Bassa communities, which they said encouraged trade, intermarriages and social harmony over the years.
However, the organisation attributed the recent escalation of violence to the alleged recruitment of armed youths by some indigenous Fulani cattle owners, porous riverine borders and criminal activities involving some Fulani and Igala/Bassa youths accused of cattle rustling, kidnapping and banditry.
It added that destruction of farm produce and killing of cattle — major sources of livelihood for both farmers and herders — remain central causes of the recurring clashes.
The stakeholders called for the establishment of a stronger security architecture, including dedicated distress call lines to improve intelligence sharing and rapid response to security threats.
They also urged traditional rulers, community leaders and family heads to promote vigilance, peaceful coexistence, tolerance and dialogue within their communities.
The communiqué further appealed to the Kogi State Government and security agencies to intensify joint patrols and establish rapid response posts in vulnerable communities across the district.
The organisation also demanded thorough investigation and prosecution of all individuals involved in killings and destruction of property in the area.
In addition, the group appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and non-governmental organisations to provide relief materials for displaced persons affected by the crisis.
The meeting was attended by community stakeholders, traditional rulers, youth leaders, women groups, security agencies and representatives of Fulani settlements.
Ukomu Igala Organisation Declares War on Criminality in Kogi East
