Kogi West Traditional Rulers Boost Security Collaboration in Okunland

Traditional rulers representing the Kogi West Senatorial District have made a firm commitment to enhance their cooperation with various security organizations. This resolve aims to combat the prevailing insecurity across Okunland through strategies rooted in community engagement. The decision came during a recent gathering of the Okun Area Council Traditional Authority, which took place at the palace of Oba Solomon Owoniyi, the Obaro of Kabba, over the past weekend.

The meeting saw the attendance of first-class monarchs and other traditional leaders from all five local government areas within Okunland. Discussions centered on evaluating the security challenges, peace initiatives, and development matters impacting the region. According to a statement released on Saturday by Oba Owoniyi, notable attendees included Oba Irukera, the Elegbe of Egbe; Oba Etombi, the Agbana of Isanlu; Oba Ibeun, the Elulu of Mopa; and Oba Ayeni, the Olujumu of Ijumu.

The monarchs collectively praised President Bola Tinubu and Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, acknowledging their improved efforts in addressing security within the district. However, they emphasized the critical necessity for stronger collaboration between local communities and security agencies. The statement detailed, “While discussing security, the royal fathers resolved to collaborate with security agencies to ensure more people are involved and to adopt a community-based approach to fighting insecurity.”

Furthermore, the statement indicated that each traditional ruler outlined the specific security concerns within their respective domains and proposed a unified strategy to confront these shared threats. “One after the other, the royal fathers spoke about challenges in their respective domains and proposed a united approach to resolving the common challenges,” it added.

In another significant development, the council intervened in an ongoing dispute between two traditional rulers in Yagba West Local Government Area. They issued a directive for the matter to be withdrawn from court, facilitating an amicable resolution. The statement affirmed, “The council has immediately intervened and asked that the matter be withdrawn from court, while inviting the parties for a meeting on Sunday for amicable resolution.”

Separately, in Kabba, the Okun Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Forum also commended the Tinubu and Ododo administrations for improvements in the district's security landscape. The group further endorsed Hon. Sam Aro Bemidele as the All Progressives Congress candidate for the Kogi West Senatorial District. They attributed recent successes, such as the reported killing of suspected bandit leader Batijo in Iluke, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, to the state government's significant investments in security infrastructure, intelligence gathering, and partnership with local security outfits.