By Yahaya Idris, Lokoja.
Kogi state Deputy Governor, Chief David Edward Onoja, on Saturday visited the communities affected by the Friday’s attack in Tawari, Kogi LGA of Kogi state, where over 20 persons were killed and properties worth billions of naira destroyed.
Addressing residents of the affected communities in Tawari, Chief Onoja described the development as unfortunate, assuring them of the commitment of the government to ensure tight security for the area.
He said: “On behalf of the Government of Kogi State, led by our Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, we are here to see things for ourselves. It is unfortunate. It is a demonic act, but Government will take steps to assist you and other affected communities. It is a pity. We have gone round all the affected communities and we have seen the level of damage.
“We shall provide security to see how to ensure that this is controlled and that it does not happen again. I am here to commiserate with the victims of the attack. We have seen and appreciated the extent of the damage. We have seen that the communities have been hit so badly. People have lost lives and property worth million of naira. We shall try to give palliatives to the victims in order to bring back the community to life.”
He therefore promised the affected communities of a reconstruction and rehabilitation package, as the settlements will be replanned and reconstructed including worship centers.
Onoja, who called on the Federal and state emergency management agencies to wade in, also pleaded with Organisations and individuals to render assistance to the victims of the attack.
Administrator of Kogi Local Government, Hon. Barr. Muhammed Tanko Musa, commended the Government of Kogi State for its timely intervention, reiterating the people’s confidence in the administration of Gov Yahaya Bello.
“Your Excellency, you have shown us love. We are hopeful that this your visit will bring about positive results. We trust you and we will continue to support you. Please, extend our appreciation to the Governor’s kind gesture”.
At the Ohimege’s palace, where the Deputy Governor and his entourage paid condolence visit, the paramount ruler of the area, the Ohimege Igu, Alhaji Abdulrazak Isa Koto, told the Deputy Governor that the attack on Tawari was purely farmers/herders misunderstanding devoid of ethnic, religious or sectional consideration.
The Ohimege, who is also the Chairman of the Lokoja/Kogi local government traditional council, said the entire ethnic groups, religious organisations, professionals and visitors have been living peacefully and harmoniously with one another.
He introduced to the Deputy Governor, the leaders and representatives of the various ethnic and religious groups across the local government area. They include the Egbira, Gbagyi, Bassa, Ganagana and Hausa. Others are Igbo, Tiv, Kakanda, Yoruba and Nupe among others.
The Ohimege also disclosed that the Kogi local government traditional council comprises of all ethnic groups resident in the local government and hold constant meetings with the view to settling disputes and nipping in the bud of any problem before it gets out of hand.
The Deputy Governor commended the Ohimegye Igu and other traditional rulers for their leadership qualities. He said the Kogi local government peace model is worthy of emulation by other traditional councils in the state.
In the Deputy Governor’s entourage were State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd) ,) and Assembly members representing Bassa, Olamaboro State Constituencies in Kogi State House of Assembly and his aides.
Similarly, the Administrator of Kogi LG, Barr. Muhammed Tanko Musa together with delegation of the Deputy Governor ably led by Chief Amadi Edime and Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Wisdom Bank shortly after their returned from Tawari visited the Federal Medical Center Lokoja, where those survivors were admitted and receiving treatments. The delegation also donated some relieved materials such as foodstuffs and money to the affected persons and assured them of continue government support.
