Ankpa, in Kogi State, which shares borders with Enugu and Benue states was once a bubbling commercial town. It was reputed to be the commercial capital of Kogi East.
Sadly, the environment is no longer conducive for such normal daily activities. The town is fast becoming a den of criminals, with all manner of hoodlums having a free reign. It has been a tale of bloodshed, destruction and insecurity in the last three years.
Last year, some dare devil bandits swooped on the town, destroyed a branch of a bank, using dynamites as well as explosives and shot some people dead. The town is yet to recover from this dastardly attack because the bank, which greatly facilitates business in the town and was the most patronised by residents closed down due to the enormous damage the hoodlums inflicted. Up till now, nothing has been done by security outfits to unveil the culprits.
Cultism, ritual killings and kidnappings are also widespread throughout the local government. However, a recent development that shook the town to its marrow was the killing of some vigilantes that work hand in hand with the police to secure the town. Just four months ago, three vigilantes with their leader including a resident were trailed in their vehicle and brutally murdered. Also, a few days ago, another vigilante was murdered in cold blood in his home.
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Nothing has been heard about efforts to investigate the incident.
Apparently, the nonchalant attitude of security outfits, especially the police has emboldened the criminals who are now on rampage.
Although, insecurity is a national issue, the concern is that if the criminals are left on the loose, they will start eliminating people in their homes. We all know what such situations will be like, especially in times of political campaigns when people target opponents using thugs.
We appeal to the Inspector General of Police ( IGP) to salvage the deteriorating security situation in Ankpa, a town that once hosted soldiers, who were recruited and trained for the 2nd world war.
Daily, my people live in fear of losing their lives to the marauding criminals. They are grappling with both poverty and so much insecurity. It will be appreciated if things are not allowed to escalate to a point of anarchy. We definitely need the intervention of the IGP to ensure the state police swings into action.
Momodu Unuga Tijjani, Otukpo Road, Mararaba, Karu LGA, Nasarawa State
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