Residents of Kogi State staged a massive protest this week, blocking key roads in response to the alarming rise in bandit attacks and the tragic death of a woman who was recently abducted. The protests, which erupted in communities such as Obajana and Oke-Ere, saw hundreds of locals, many of them women, demanding urgent government intervention to restore security and justice.
The unrest follows a series of violent incidents, including the murder of two individuals in Obajana by suspected bandits and the discovery of the lifeless body of a woman who had been kidnapped days earlier. In Oke-Ere, elderly women staged a dramatic protest, some appearing unclothed, to draw attention to the severity of the crisis and the emotional toll it has taken on families.
Speaking at the protest, one local organizer stated, “We are tired of living in fear. Our mothers, sisters, and children are being taken and killed. We need action, not promises.”
The roadblocks caused significant disruption to transportation and commerce, underscoring the depth of public anger. Protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations until concrete measures are taken to address the insecurity plaguing their communities.
Kogi has seen a surge in violent crimes attributed to armed bandits and suspected herdsmen, with rural communities bearing the brunt of the attacks. Despite repeated appeals, residents say the response from authorities has been slow and inadequate.