Ibrahim Oyewale in Loloja
Kogi State Government has commenced the distribution of relief materials in communities affected by the recent communal crisis in the Omala Local Government area of the state.
The State Governor, Usman Ododo had directed the State Emergency Management Agency(SEMA) to coordinate a need assessment exercise in collaboration with the local government administration and urged the state Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Oyibo Salifu, to commence the distribution of relief materials to people in the affected communities on behalf of the state government while on a visit to commiserate with the people.
Governor Ododo said: “While we are seeking a lasting solution to the communal crisis in the area that had become intractable over the years, it is our responsibility to provide succour to the men, women and children who have been displaced by the attacks on their homes and their means of livelihood.
“These relief materials, though a temporary measure, will go a long way to mitigate the immediate impact of the displacement and discomfort suffered by our people in Agojeju-Odo and other affected communities in the area.
“I want to assure you that we are leaving nothing to chance in our efforts to prevent the breakdown of law and order and to secure the lives and property of all our people across the state.”
Ododo also commended the Caretaker Chairman of Omala Local Government Area, Mark Edibo and security agencies in the area for their efforts in ensuring that peace returns to the area, urging them to remain focused on the immediate task of comforting those affected by the crisis.
He assured the people of continued support by the state government, stressing that the immediate concern of his administration is to bring relief to those who are distressed at the moment while putting measures in place to prevent a repeat of the attack in the area.
Ododo, who has been involved in the ongoing investigation into the unfortunate crisis that affected communities in the area, provided an update on the incident when he announced last week that principal suspects have been arrested and the culprits have been assisting security agencies with useful information on the immediate causes and alleged masterminds of the crisis.
Gunmen had attacked Agejoju Odo in Omala Local government area of State in which police confirmed 19 persons dead.
It was gathered that the attackers in their large number dislodged the people of the community, carted away their valuable property.
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