By joshua 
ESCALATING ATTACKS BY ARMED BANDIT GROUPS IN YAGBA, OKUN LAND NEEDS URGENT HELP – CHIEF ASAJE
The National Coordinator of the Like Minds Alliance Pressure Group, Chief Richard Asaje has strongly condemn the attacks and killings of security operatives in Yagba East LGA of Kogi State on Sunday 21/9/2025 .
In a statement signed by Chief Asaje, he said the unrelenting attacks and murders of police officers, soldiers, and other security personnel in the area makes it the most unsafe place to be, said “Government must do something to stop the continuous killings of security operatives and innocent people in our localities”.
Speaking further, he expressed his condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased, called on the government to bring those responsible to justice.
“This is a call to action directed at the federal, state, and local government, as well as the police and other security agencies”, he added.
“We understand that the Kogi State government has pledged to continue supporting security agencies with resources, partnerships, and policies needed to ensure the safety of kogites. Urgent attention is therefore needed to stop escalating attacks by armed bandit groups”, Asaje exclaimed.
“The search for livelihood opportunities and access to farmlands especially within Okun land is increasingly becoming difficult and endangering the lives of the people at the cost of attacks and fatalities. Killing in Okun land will worsen without urgent help. We must cooperate with the government by providing useful information to curb insecurity in our land”, Asaje added.
In the statement, Chief Asaje urged FGYB to work with the state government in addressing the security challenges, noting that Bello’s administration succeeded in weeding out the bad elements and was able to keep the state a peaceful place of abode to a bar comparable with any state in the federation or even more better.
Asaje therefore urged residents of Yagba land and by extension Okun land to cooperate with the government at all levels and security personnel as he understands that the state government and security agencies were working tirelessly with local councils to restore peace, urge communities to cooperate with traditional rulers, government and relevant security operatives to prioritize security of lives and property in our localities.
He therefore enjoined residents not to shift blame on the elected leaders at the National Assembly, stressing that they are there to make laws. Though he said it is necessary at this junction to adhere to long – term coordinated and structured security advisement over and above short – term inconveniences.
“The public is demanding action from Nigerian authorities to address a pervasive security crisis. We need urgent and a more effective security strategy from the government”, Asaje stressed.
“Recalled that during Yahaya Bello’s administration, he was levelling down properties belonging to criminals in kogi Central, declaring zero tolerance for crimes, and impunity in the state. The government should address security challenges with a multi-faceted approach”.
“The frequency of attacks and the apparent helplessness of security agencies have led many people to question the government’s competence and legitimacy”.
Asaje in his final remarks, suggested that the government should encourage traditional rulers, community leaders, and land owners to introduce a prospective tenants form to be titled “Tenants Information Form”, which will contain the following
✓ Full Names of prospective tenant
✓ Phone numbers
✓ NIN
✓ Current passport photograph
✓ Address of former residence (with phone number)
✓ Address of former place of work (with referee)
✓ The reason why relocating including their profession duration of stay.
✓ Guarantor and a thorough background check to verify all information provided on the form.
“We must continue to suggest possible ways out of this terrible situation in our localities. This will enhance security for tenants and our various constituents as well reduce risk of potential security threats”.
The Youths should be ready to give vital information to government, relevant security operatives because all these people are not ghost, they have friends among us and live on our land. To me, the rate at which our youths and selected community leaders are looking for money call for concern. We all saw what happened in Kabba -Bunu axis where the future of the nation, Youths are giving bandits Information to attack his people. We all have a role to play to stop the menace rocking our localities..
“Security is everyone business, let’s create a safe and secure environment for all”, Asaje concluded.
Signed
Secretary,”Like Minds Alliance Pressure Group”.