An alarming revelation has surfaced in Kogi State, as it is alleged that the government, led by Governor Yahaya Bello, is planning to provide vigilante identification cards to SIX INDIVIDUALS arrested for their involvement with deadly weapons.
According, Mr Faruk Adejoh-Audu, Director of Communications, Muri/Sam Gubernatorial Campaign Council, the suspects were apprehended in Ayingba during a recent operation by the military.
Governor Bello has purportedly tasked the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omadara, with acquiring official government vigilante ID cards for the detained individuals.
This move is seen as an attempt to legitimize the suspects by portraying them as vigilante operatives working in collaboration with the state government to combat crime.
The six detainees, known by their street names as Assignment, Baba-5-5, Lukmon Shoku, Nuhu, DJ Abass Alias Grinya, and Bala Ete, are now under scrutiny.
There are concerns that they may be released shortly and reintegrated into society, potentially posing a threat to the residents of Kogi State.
This development unfolds in the wake of admissions made by two of the suspects, Baba-5-5 and Assignment, who reportedly confessed that a female APC (All Progressives Congress) supporter was mistakenly shot by Grinya in the recent incident in Koto.
Despite these revelations, Governor Yahaya Bello is alleged to be using his influence to pressure the military into securing the release of these individuals.
In response to these claims, concerned parties are calling on both Nigerians and the international community to raise their voices and demand that these individuals face prosecution rather than being released.
They argue that allowing the suspected bandits to go free could embolden them and potentially lead to more violence in Kogi State.
Additionally, there are reports of over 200 other individuals allegedly associated with criminal activities being sheltered in areas around Lokoja, Okene, and Jimgbe under the auspices of Governor Bello.
Concerns are mounting that such individuals may feel immune to the law with the support of their sponsor.
Tragically, Kogi State has already witnessed significant violence, with more than twenty individuals losing their lives in the aftermath of the November 2019 Governorship Elections, including incidents involving police helicopters allegedly procured by Governor Bello.
As the situation in Kogi State continues to be a cause for concern, appeals are directed towards key figures, including the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Defense Staff, the Minister of Defense, the National Security Adviser, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intervene and prevent the possible release of these alleged bandits.
The plea is grounded in the hope of averting further bloodshed and ensuring the safety of the people of Kogi State in the run-up to the Governorship Election.
