Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has condemned the killing of a Fulani settler in Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area.
The governor stressed the importance of following the rule of law and warned against acts of vigilantism.
In a statement released on Monday by the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, Governor Ododo convened an emergency security meeting on Saturday in Lokoja to address the incident and restore peace.
The statement read: “In a bid to restore peace and security in Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, Governor Ahmed U Ododo has convened an emergency security meeting in Lokoja to address the indigenes of Isanlu and the Fulani settlers.
“The governor held a robust meeting with the people of Isanlu and the Fulanis yesterday at Government House, Lokoja, where he listened to their grievances and addressed them accordingly.
“He condemn upon instances where individuals take the law into their hands by killing fellow humans, stressing that such actions are unacceptable and that perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law.”
Governor Ododo also directed the interrogation of traditional rulers in the area to uncover the root causes of the incident. One traditional ruler has been suspended for his alleged involvement.
He further urged Isanlu community leaders to caution their people against actions that promote insecurity. “The Governor, without mincing words, challenged the leadership of the Isanlu community and its environs in Yagba East to sensitise their people on the need to refrain from taking the law into their hands,” the statement added.
The governor praised the Fulani community for not retaliating, commending their patience and commitment to peace. He also expressed gratitude to Fulani leaders for supporting his administration’s security efforts.
Ododo reassured all residents of his dedication to protecting lives and property and vowed to ensure all criminals in the state face justice.
The Chairman of Yagba East Local Government Area, Hon. Dare Joshua, thanked the governor for his timely action, which prevented further unrest.
The emergency meeting, attended by government officials, security agencies, and community leaders, ended with both parties agreeing to work toward peace and security in the area.
