Senate calls on Federal Government to restore the displaced Omala communities in Kogi East

The Nigerian Senate has recently approved a resolution aimed at rehabilitating the displaced communities within the Omala Local Government Council in the Kogi East Senatorial District.

This decision came following a motion put forward by Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, who represents the Kogi East Senatorial District, highlighting the urgent necessity to restore the communities of Agojeju-Odo, Ajokpachi-Odo, Bagaji, and Bagana in Omala.

The motion emphasized that these communities had suffered significant devastation as a result of attacks by Fulani herders.

Senator Isah, under Orders 41 and 51, elaborated on the situation in Omala, a region covering approximately 1,667km2 with a population of around 176,000.

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He expressed concerns over the recurrent attacks by herders, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of properties, and displacement of residents with minimal intervention to address the crisis.

Senator Isah highlighted that the displaced individuals, numbering around 30,000, were left homeless, their farmlands abandoned, and their lives in disarray.

He further noted that the affected communities were witnessing an exodus of inhabitants relocating to other areas due to the precarious security situation.

The motion underscored the urgent need for intervention to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Omala.

The motion also recounted a specific incident on 5th April 2024, where Agojeju-Odo and Ajokpachi-Odo suffered a tragic attack resulting in the loss of 21 innocent lives, including women and children, and extensive damage to agricultural produce.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, echoed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to end the violence and ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

Senator Oshiomhole proposed a stakeholder’s conference to address the root causes of the conflict and find sustainable solutions to prevent further bloodshed and displacement in the region.

The Senate’s resolution signifies a crucial step towards providing relief and support to the affected communities in Omala, underscoring the importance of swift action to restore peace and stability in the area.