Worried by the attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen across Yagbaland in the Okun section of Kogi State, Yagba Action Group (YAG) has called on the National Security Adviser (NSA) and other security agencies to take measures to protect the harmless communities, being systematically exterminated by the armed men.

The group has also called on the Kogi State Government to take necessary measures in stemming attacks, as the protection of lives forms the bedrock of government.

This was as a first-class monarch, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda Ilufemiloye, the Obalohun of Okoloke, in Yagba West Local Council, was kidnapped by armed gunmen.

The prominent traditional ruler was abducted from his palace in the early hours of yesterday.

In a statement yesterday, YAG expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of violent crimes, particularly kidnappings and gruesome killings, occurring across communities in Yagbaland.

The group’s statement is coming on the heels of the abduction of the centenarian monarch when the suspected kidnappers invaded his palace.

As a result of his abduction, massive protest is ongoing in the area at the time of this statement is being issued as residents of Okoloke mostly women trooped to the streets demanding the rescue of their king from the hands of his captors, while also calling on the government to end the menace of kidnapping in Yagbaland.

YAG is irked that what used to be a peaceful land has, in recent times, witnessed terror from suspected Fulani herdsmen and bandits “who have turned our forests, highways, and farmlands into zones of fear and bloodshed”.

Consequently, the group resolved to petition the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Assembly through Yagba’s representatives, Sen Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) and Leke Abejide, House of Representatives member (Yagba Federal Constituency).

The statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Tunde Olusunle; and Coordinator, Toba Adebayo and addressed to the ONSA stated: “On behalf of YAG, committed to the peace, progress, security and development of Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State, we write to express deep concern over the rising wave of insecurity threatening the lives and livelihoods of our people.

“In recent months, our constituency has witnessed a disturbing surge in cases of kidnappings, banditry, unprovoked killings and coordinated attacks on rural communities by unidentified gunmen. These incidents have instilled fear among residents, disrupted farming and commercial activities, and rendered several roads and villages unsafe for daily life.

“It has got to a point where dwellers are picked up from their homes and taken to an unknown destination. While local vigilante groups, hunters and community leaders have made commendable efforts to resist these criminal elements, their capacity has been overwhelmed by the sophisticated weaponry and coordinated tactics deployed by the perpetrators.”

The group, therefore, appealed for urgent national intervention.