The Kogi State Government has started giving out supplies to the people impacted by the recent conflict between communities in the Omala Local Government Area of the state.
Two communities were attacked by suspected herdsmen which resulted in the death of 25 people and the destruction of several houses.
As a result, the state Governor, Ahmed Ododo, instructed the state Emergency Management Agency to conduct an assessment exercise in collaboration with the local government administration under the supervision of the state Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Oyibo Salifu.
The agency has since begun distributing relief supplies to people in the affected communities on behalf of the state government.
A statement released on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the governor on Media and publicity, Ismaila Isah, mentioned that the governor expressed satisfaction with the agency while visiting to express sympathy with the people.
Governor Ododo stated, “While we are seeking a permanent solution to the communal crisis in the area that had become intractable over the years, it is our responsibility to provide comfort to the men, women and children who have been forced to leave their homes and their means of livelihood due to the attacks.
“These relief supplies, though temporary, will greatly reduce 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 not taking any risks in our efforts to prevent the breakdown of law and order and to protect the lives and property of all our people across the state.”
Governor Ododo also praised the caretaker chairman of Omala Local Government Area, Hon. 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.
The governor 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.
