2 killed, 15 Houses Razed As Kogi Women Protest Political Violence

Eniola Olayemi

Women in Ihima have continued their protests against renewed political violence in Ebiraland by Kogi State All Progressives Congress (APC), urging Governor Yahaya Bello to ask his appointees to retrieve guns distributed to their youths.

The protest, which started on Saturday, lasted for four hours, as the aggrieved women matched to the homes of political leaders in the area, warning them to return the guns they gave their sons “to kill themselves and cause confusion in the land.  ”The women alleged that Okehi Local Government Administrator, Abdulraheem Ohiare and Commissioner for Water Resources, Salami Ozigi, were responsible for the crisis that has claimed two lives.

They also alleged that no fewer than 30 persons have been injured from gunshots, while 15 houses have been burnt in Obeiba axis of Ihima in Okehi Council. They threatened to continue the protests on the streets until the political leaders retrieve the guns given to their children.

Speaking on behalf of the women, Hajia Abisetu, said they could not fold their hands and watch the trend in the last two months to continue, and adding that they will continue until Governor Bello orders his appointees to retrieve the guns shared to their sons in Ihima. She said: “We took it upon ourselves to save our land, we went round Ihima yesterday and visited the homes of the political leaders sponsoring and distribution guns to our sons. We warn them to retrieve their guns from them so that we can have peace in Ihima.”

When contacted over the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), William Aya, promised to get back but never did as at the time of filing this report. Meanwhile, Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola has urged citizens to remain calm and peaceful and not lose interest in the electoral process. Reacting to postponement of elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he charged the people to turn out to vote on Saturday.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Adeniyi Adesina, he said: “Let all citizens of the State of Osun remain calm and peaceful in spite of the disappointment of shifting the general elections. “I implore our people not to lose interest in the electoral process, as a result of the temporary setback.”