Enough Is Enough: Senator Karimi Decries Rising Banditry, Kidnappings in Kogi West
The Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, has expressed deep outrage over the gruesome killing of a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ayodotun Olukotun, and the displacement of members of his family following an attempted kidnapping attack at his residence in Odo-Ere, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State in the early hours of Tuesday.
Reacting to the tragic incident, Senator Karimi lamented the recurring attacks on innocent residents across Kogi West and other parts of the state, describing the growing wave of banditry and kidnapping as unacceptable and alarming.
According to the lawmaker, the persistent insecurity has become one incident too many and requires urgent, decisive action from government and security agencies.
He noted that many communities in the district have taken proactive steps by establishing local vigilante groups to complement conventional security efforts, describing it as unfortunate that these same communities and volunteers are now becoming targets of criminal elements.
“My heart goes out to the Odo-Ere community, the family of the deceased, and everyone who has become a victim of this ugly cycle of kidnapping and banditry,” Senator Karimi said.
“It is senseless. It is barbaric. It is a direct assault on our humanity. The government must begin to deliver visible results that will reassure our people that they are not the next victims.”
While commiserating with the family of the slain NSCDC officer and the entire Odo-Ere community, the senator pledged to intensify efforts through collaboration with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to ensure that the menace is brought to an end.
He further urged residents of Kogi West to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, while continuing to support security agencies with credible information that could aid their operations.
Senator Karimi reaffirmed his commitment to the safety and security of the people of Kogi West, stressing that every necessary step must be taken to restore peace and protect lives and property across the district.
