Following the intervention of Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents the Kogi West Senatorial District, and with the support of the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government (LG) and other key stakeholders, the three-day youth protests in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State have been suspended.

Thousands of youths had taken to the streets in Egbe, the commercial hub of Yagba West LGA, protesting the recent murders of three policemen and two vigilantes, who bandits brutally killed. The protests quickly spread to other areas within Yagba West LG.

Although Senator Karimi is currently out of the country, he has maintained communication with heads of security agencies, the leadership of the Yagba West Council, traditional leaders, and community representatives. His intervention followed a statement he issued from abroad, empathising with the protesters and urging calm. He reassured them that serious efforts are underway by the government and security agencies to address the situation.

Senator Karimi engaged directly with the leadership of the protesting youths, addressing them twice. He called for an end to the roadblocks and assured them that security forces are working diligently to bring the perpetrators to justice while securing lasting peace and safety for the community. The youth leaders expressed their gratitude to the senator for taking the time to communicate with them despite being abroad, and for his relentless efforts both in the Senate and in his commitment to restoring peace in Egbe. They asked to meet with their members to share the outcomes of the discussions and promised to honour the senator’s commitments by dismantling the roadblocks.

As a result, about two hours ago, the protesting youths removed the roadblocks on the highways, extinguished burning tires, and allowed the free movement of vehicles that had been stranded along the Ilorin-Egbe-Isanlu-Kabba road since the protests began on Wednesday.

The protests, which had halted commercial activities in the area for about 48 hours, have now concluded, and normal daily routines have resumed. Senator Sunday Karimi remains committed to voicing the concerns of his constituents and ensuring their safety. He empathises with their grief and dissatisfaction and has consistently advocated for a lasting solution on the floor of the Senate and through his oversight responsibilities.