Elias Atabor, the leader of Agojeju-Odo community in Kogi, has made a heartfelt plea to the Federal Government, urging them to establish a military base in Omala Local Government Area. The aim is to effectively combat the relentless attacks perpetrated by bandits on the local population.

Expressing deep concern, Atabor conveyed his worry over the continuous rise in the death toll, which seems to escalate with each passing hour. His appeal came as the tragic news emerged that the number of fatalities resulting from Thursday’s attack on the Kogi community had increased from 19 to 25. Shockingly, this count includes four children, while numerous individuals are currently hospitalised.

Atabor emphasized the urgent need for a military presence in their community, stating, “We implore the Federal Government to deploy a military base to our community, which will serve as a crucial deterrent against the incessant assaults we face in Omala LGA.”

Highlighting the severity of the situation, Atabor revealed that Thursday’s attack marked the second incident within a span of just three months this year. The previous assault occurred on January 29, claiming the lives of four individuals at the hands of bandits.

Expressing the dire circumstances faced by the community, Atabor asserted, “We cannot continue to perish like helpless creatures within our own community. Agojeju-Odo holds immense ancestral significance for us, and we have no other place to call home. Many of our people remain missing, and we continue to discover additional bodies, which is both distressing and deeply troubling.”

Atabor concluded by fervently urging the government to intervene swiftly, rescuing them from the looming threat posed by the heavily armed and highly organised bandits. Their survival as a community hangs in the balance, and prompt action is essential to prevent their complete annihilation.