By Ade Iyamoye
Honorable Musa Olumayowa Yakubu has strongly criticized the All Progressives Congress-led administration in Kogi State, blaming it for the rising insecurity and disruption of peaceful coexistence in Kogi West.
Reacting to comments made by Commander Jerry Omodara, the Chief Security Officer to the Kogi State government, at a recent security summit, Yakubu questioned who truly facilitated the influx of Fulani settlers into Kogi.
“There can never be an effect without a cause,” he stated, adding that “We must ask ourselves, how did these outsiders arrive in Kogi? Who invited them? Who gave them the confidence to settle here?”
Yakubu recalled that in 2017, the APC government under then-Governor Yahaya Bello openly welcomed herdsmen to graze freely in the state.
The governor, according to Yakubu, opposed anti-grazing laws implemented by neighboring states and even encouraged herdsmen to bring their displaced relatives to Kogi.
“The governor made it clear that he would not enforce any law restricting herdsmen.
“He even threatened to remove any traditional ruler or local government official who attempted to oppose their settlement,” Yakubu said.
To reinforce their presence, Yakubu noted, the administration ensured Fulani representation in local councils and ordered a census of Fulani residents in all 21 local government areas.
“Now, nearly a decade later, what are the results of that census? Has anyone asked Commander Omodara if it was ever completed?” he asked.
Yakubu condemned the recent blame placed on landowners for selling lands to settlers, arguing that the real issue lies with those who empowered them in the first place.
“We once lived in harmony, but that peace was shattered in 2017 when the APC government gave herdsmen free rein over our land.
“The consequences of that decision are what we are suffering today,” he concluded.
