By Abubakar Yunusa
As people from far and near are set to bid farewell to the late Sen. Dr. Alex Kadiri, the House of Representatives candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency in the 2023 elections, Austin Okai, urged Governor Usman Ododo to prioritize the safety of all who will be traveling to pay their last respects.
Senator Kadiri, who represented Kogi East Senatorial District from 1999 to 2007, passed away on June 27, 2024, at the age of 82.
Okai, who gave the advice in a statement shared on his social media handle on Tuesday morning, said that “The road between Itobe and Anyigba has become a hotspot for kidnappings, with incidents occurring daily and going unreported.”
“I call on Governor Ododo to take immediate action to secure the road and ensure the safety of travelers.
“The presence of kidnappers along this route has created a sense of fear and insecurity, making the journey to Igala land as risky as entering a war zone.”
He emphasized that the Governor should deploy security personnel to patrol the Itobe to Anyigba road and implement measures to prevent further kidnappings.
“The safety of our people should be a top priority, especially during this time of mourning.
“I urge Governor Ododo to listen to the concerns of the people and take decisive action to address this issue. Let us come together to demand a safer and more secure environment for all who wish to pay their respects to Sen. Dr. Alex Kadiri.
“Our voices must be heard, and action must be taken to protect our community.”
In other news, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) visited the grieving family of the late Senator Alex Kadiri last week.
She emphasized the pride he brought to Kogi through their selfless contributions.