‘Tawari Killing Unfortunate’, Says Kogi Dep Gov Edward Onoja

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, David Edward Onoja, has described the attack in Tawari area of the state where over 20 persons were killed and properties worth billions of naira destroyed as unfortunate.

He stated this during his visit on Saturday to the communities affected by the Friday’s attack.

In his address to residents of the affected communities in Tawari, Onoja assured them of the commitment of the government to ensure tight security for the area.

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“On behalf of the government of Kogi State, led by our governor, His Excellency, Chief Alhaji Yahaya Bello, we are here to see things for ourselves. It is unfortunate. It is a demonic act, but the government will take steps to assist you and other affected communities. It is a pity. We have gone round all the affected communities and we have seen the level of damage.

“We shall provide security to see how to ensure that this is controlled and that it does not happen again. I am here to commiserate the victims of the attack. We have seen the extent of the damage. We have seen that the communities have been hit so badly. People have lost lives and property worth millions of naira. We shall try to give palliatives to the victims in order to bring back the community to life.”

While promising the affected communities of a reconstruction and rehabilitation package, Onoja, called on the federal and state emergency management agencies to wade in.

He also pleaded with organisations and individuals to render assistance to the victims of the attack.

Commending the state government for its timely intervention, the administrator of Kogi Local Government, Hon. Barr. Muhammed Tanko Musa, said it has reiterated the people’s confidence in the administration of Governor Bello.

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“Your Excellency, you have shown us love. We are hopeful that this your visit will bring about positive results. We trust you and we will continue to support you. Please, extend our appreciation to the governor’s kind gesture.”

During his condolence visit to the Ohimege’s palace, the deputy governor and his entourage were told by the paramount ruler of the area, the Ohimege Igu, Alhaji Abdulrazak Isa Koto,  that the attack on Tawari was purely farmers/herders misunderstanding devoid of ethnic, religious or sectional consideration.

According to the ruler, who is also the Chairman of the Kogi local government traditional council, the entire ethnic groups, religious organisations, professionals and visitors have been living peacefully and harmoniously with one another.

After introducing to the deputy governor, the leaders and representatives of the various ethnic and religious groups across the local government, Ohimege also disclosed that the Kogi local government traditional council comprises of all ethnic groups resident in the local government and holds constant meetings with the view to settling disputes and nipping in the bud any problem before it gets out of hand.

Onoja also commended the Ohimege Igu and other traditional rulers for their leadership qualities, saying the Kogi local government peace model is worthy of emulation by other traditional councils in the state.

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