Following the worsening insecurity in Oke-Ere, a remote community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, some women are protesting and are calling on the Federal Government and state government to put to a stop the frequent kidnapping in the area.
A member of the community disclosed that kidnappings in the area have become a daily affair, stressing that the people have become helpless while calling on the security agencies and the state government to come to their aid.
The source equally said that an unnamed former kidnapper came out publicly to denounce kidnapping and went further to mention the names of some natives who were part of the kidnap gang, adding that the surprise
connivance of the natives with outsiders to cause them pains, and their continued denial prompted the women to stage the protest.
Read also: Bauchi govt partners security agencies to curb kidnapping, banditry
“While those natives continue to deny the allegation, the women decided to protest,” the source said.
The names of the repentant kidnapper and their native collaborators were however, not mention.
In a swift reaction, Yosin Olokun, chairman of the local government, dismissed the narrative, saying instead that the women that came out in their numbers were partaking in an annual prayer meeting.
Olokun said their outing had nothing to do with kidnappings or violent crimes in the area, and that the procession by the women was with the knowledge of the chief of the community, the Elere of Ere.
He added that proper permission was obtained from the council before the procession by the women.
Speaking on behalf of the chairman, Supervisory Councillor for Special Duties and Education, Femi Adeyeye, who was also in charge of the security in the LGA, called on the public to disregard the reported protest.
“The women usually come out every year as a tradition to pray for the community and rain curses on the people who may be disturbing the peace of the community,” he said.
