In a concerning development, the Muri/Sam Gubernatorial Campaign Council of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has raised an alarm regarding a sinister plan to target Fulani settlements in the Eastern Senatorial District of Kogi State.
The aim of this scheme is to incite ethnic conflict in the region just ahead of the crucial November 11, 2023, governorship elections.
The Council has taken immediate action by notifying the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General Department of State Security (DGDSS) of this imminent threat.
The campaign’s legal counsel, Realwan Okpanachi Esq, has submitted a petition outlining the unfolding threat orchestrated by the outlaw State Government of Mr Yahaya Bello.
At the heart of this conspiracy is one Friday Makama, a notorious thug with a history of serial attacks on Fulani communities in Igala-Mela Odolu Local Government dating back to 2001.
Makama, who was recently appointed the Director-General of an Illegal Directorate for the Recovery of Firearms by Mr Bello, is allegedly tasked with mobilizing multiple thug groups to launch coordinated attacks across five Local Governments in Kogi East.
The targeted Local Governments include Omala, Dekina, Ofu, Olamaboro, and Ankpa. These regions collectively account for over 30% of the registered voters in Kogi State.
The petition reveals a chilling escalation plan: if the Fulani communities in Kogi East hesitate to retaliate or launch reprisal attacks, the government intends to hire mercenaries from various bandit groups in the North West to attack the specified Local Governments.
Alternatively, if the herders take the bait and retaliate, the mercenaries will support them, resulting in widespread chaos.
The campaign has received intelligence suggesting that the Bello Government is in negotiations with the notorious Turji Bello banditry gang in Zamfara State.
These mercenaries are poised to be unleashed upon Kogi East in the second week of October if Makama’s sinister plot succeeds this week.
The campaign council highlights the recent surge in violence orchestrated by Mr. Bello’s associates. Armed thugs, some dressed in police uniforms, have attacked communities, burned down houses, and even targeted campaign materials.
These acts of violence aim to provoke SDP supporters into retaliation, providing a pretext for further terror.
The Council expresses deep concern over the perceived inaction of security agencies in curbing these lawless acts.
They call upon conscientious Nigerians to raise their voices in support of the endangered people of Kogi State and demand that the Nigerian State fulfills its duty to protect lives and properties.
Faruk Adejoh-Audu,
Director Communications
Muritala Yakubu Ajaka/Sam Abenemi Campaign Council, Kogi State.
September 21, 2023.
