By Kadir Okala
In recent years, Nigeria has been grappling with the issue of herders and farmers clashes that have led to the loss of lives and destruction of property. One of the states that have been hit hard by this crisis is Kogi State, particularly the East Senatorial District. However, one man is determined to put an end to this crisis and restore peace to the area. His name is Senator Isah Jibrin, popularly known as Echocho.
Echocho, who is the Senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, has been at the forefront of efforts to find a lasting solution to the herders crisis in the area. In a recent statement he personally signed, Echocho condemned in the strongest terms the killings and destruction of property that have been going on in Oganenigu community, and called on traditional rulers in Dekina local government to urgently intervene in the serial killings.
According to Echocho, some people were benefiting from the crises, hence its contentious resurfacing, leading to destruction of lives and property, most worrisome is the displacement of women and children. He appealed to traditional leaders in Oganenigu and Dekina Local Government whom he said should know what the issues are, to sit on a round table with the leaders concerned with the view to discussing and finding solutions to the concerns.
Echocho also recalled that the Oganenigu crisis saw Governor Yahaya Bello visiting the communities some years back, despite difficult terrain, solely to see that peace rains in the land. He commended the efforts of Governor Bello in securing the whole state and appealed to him to intervene and act on behalf of the poor and innocent people to protect and further guarantee them a future of longevity, pride, and prosperity like he has always done.
Under the present administration of Yahaya Bello, citizens, and residents have enjoyed mutual peace, and Echocho desires that this mutually beneficial relationship is sustained as the recent trouble leading to people being killed by suspected herdsmen or unknown gunmen involving people on their ancestral lands is disturbing.
In conclusion, the efforts of Senator Isah Jibrin, also known as Echocho, to end the perennial herder’s crisis in Kogi East, is a commendable one. It is hoped that his call to traditional rulers to intervene in the serial killings, and his appeal to Governor Yahaya Bello to act on behalf of the poor and innocent people to protect and further guarantee them a future of longevity, pride, and prosperity, will yield positive results and restore peace to the area.