Residents of Kogi East senatorial district have raised alarm alleging mass influx of strange groups of people troopping into their communities.
Residents of Igala-ogba district, Alloma in Ofu local government of Kogi state have said they have noticed a new set of Fulani herdsmen presently settling in the forest between okula Alloma and Ewune, and are already contesting with farmers for land space and stream of water belonging to the communities.
Also, in Ofakaga, Ugwolawo district of Ofu local government, residents have noticed unusual influx of unknown herders and some without cattle or families around Ofakaga, Alade and Ojuwoajonuchegbo community respectively.
In parts of Dekina local government particularly in Egume, Abejukolo Egume, Ochaja, Ukwaja, Ogbulu etc have also noticed strange settlements by unknown visitors who came in large numbers.
Another group of such invaders have been seen around Ukwaja forest in Idah local government of the state. So also in Odolu axis in Odolu/Igalamela local government.
The management of local security network known as Kogi East Neighborhood Watch (KENW) has said they have recieved distressed calls from some community members about the invasion of strange settlers around them.
The local security organisation said the invasion by strange looking armed men is already a threat and danger signals. “This is farming season and members of the communities are already scared of going to their farms because the intentions of the invaders is unknown to them, especially when the strangers are bearing arms. “Considering the fragile security situations on the rural communities, the development is frightening and scaring”
The local security therefore called on the Kogi state government, the state Commissioner of Police, local government chairmen and the Kogi state Traditional Council to intervene by visiting these settlement with the aim of profiling the strange armed men before they unleashed terror on innocent farmers and other residents across the Senatorial district.
They also called on the Senator representing Kogi East, Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho to come in protection of people of his constituents.
Meanwhile, a female traditional ruler known as Iye Ebule of Igo Ward in Ofu local government has been abducted at about 1:am on Wednesday last week by unknown gunmen.
On the same day, a young man ridding to his farm in between Avrugo and Odolu was ambushed and killed by gunmen. Eye witness said the victim was attacked with machetes.
