On Saturday being 7th October 2023 at Ayingba, Dekina Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State, it has been reported that Governor Yahaya Bello is facing mounting pressure to secure the release of five armed thugs apprehended by a military task force.
According to, Faruk Adejoh-Audu, Director Communications, Muri/Sam Gubernatorial Campaign Organization, “these individuals, who are believed to have ties to the governor, were taken into custody after a violent altercation with rival gangs at the Unity Square roundabout, Ayingba”.
The incident unfolded in the evening when the sound of gunfire attracted the attention of the military task force, composed primarily of Army and Navy personnel, who swiftly cordoned off the area.
In a thorough operation lasting over an hour, the task force successfully apprehended five of the approximately 12 armed thugs.
They were disarmed and detained, and two Toyota Sienna buses bearing the inscription “Ododo 2023” in place of registration numbers were impounded.
However, it has come to light that Governor Yahaya Bello is making efforts to secure the release of these apprehended individuals.
The Chairman of Dekina LGA, Ishaq Okolo, who is known to oversee the activities of the governor’s alleged thugs in Kogi East, was observed trailing the military convoy that transported the detained individuals.
This has raised concerns that the pressure exerted by the governor may lead to their release.
The Muri/Sam Campaign Organization, expressing their apprehension, is calling upon the Nigerian Army to uphold its reputation for professionalism and resist any undue pressure to release these individuals, who are considered potential threats to public safety.
Additionally, they are appealing to the Federal Government to ensure that these armed individuals are not set free, especially with the forthcoming Governorship Elections scheduled for November 11, 2023.
The organization is determined to monitor developments closely and keep the public informed about this evolving situation.
As of now, the armed thugs remain in the custody of the military, and the situation continues to unfold.
