NGO seeks mop-up of illegal fire-arms in Kogi State

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Search for Common Ground (SFCG), has urged security agencies to mop up all fire-arms in the hands of unauthorised persons in Kogi State.

The SFCG Early Warning Co-ordinator, Mrs. Omolola Mamedu, gave the advice on yesterday during the December conflict scan analysis of post-election violence with stakeholders in Kogi State.

Mamedu, who noted that after the November 16 governorship election in Kogi State last year, more violence had been recorded across the state, lamented that kidnapping, killing of people and burning of houses have increased in the state, stressing that continuous mopping of fire-arms by the police and relevant security agencies from the possession of thugs and miscreants should be intensified.

“Weeks after the November 16 governorship election, Kogi State has recorded some frightening increase in violence in the post-election phase. The aftermath of electoral violence witnessed before and during the election has led to reprisal attacks and the introduction of several incidents ranging from assault, killings, banditry and kidnapping in the state.

“There is need for all relevant stakeholders, especially the security agencies, to beef up security in the state and apprehend miscreants perpetrating these acts of violence,” she said.

She also said that security should be beefed up in those locations where incidents of post-election violence are recorded and also the need to increase patrol and close surveillance by the police and other security agencies along high volatile areas.