Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has called an emergency security meeting in Lokoja to address tensions between the indigenes of Isanlu and Fulani settlers following allegations of a killing by local residents.
The meeting aimed to foster dialogue and prevent potential reprisals that could threaten community safety. According to State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, both parties agreed to pursue peace. The governor interrupted a trip to Abuja to address rising security concerns in Isanlu, emphasizing the need for calm amidst escalating tensions.
Fanwo said, “The Governor had a robust meeting with the people of Isanlu and the Fulanis yesterday in Government House, Lokoja where he listened to their grievances and addressed them accordingly.
“He frowned at a situation where people would take laws into their hands by killing fellow humans, saying such is not acceptable and that perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law.
“He has directed that some traditional rulers in the affected areas be properly interrogated in order to get to the root of the matter. He has also directed that a particular traditional ruler be suspended due to his role in the saga.”
Also, Fanwo added that the Governor has urged leaders of the Isanlu community to caution their members against actions that threaten security in Yagba East and the broader Yagba Federal Constituency and emphasized the need to identify and report criminal elements within the community, asserting that his administration will pursue all criminals, regardless of their ethnic background.
“The Governor, without mincing words, also challenged the leadership of the Isanlu community and its environs in Yagba East to sensitize their people on the need to stop constituting security threats in the area by taking the laws into their hands.
“He particularly told them to stop harboring criminals and to ensure that criminal elements among them are reported and handed over to law enforcement agencies in order to curb insecurity in the area,” he said.
Governor Ododo praised the Fulani community in Yagba East for refraining from reprisal attacks, commending their maturity and commitment to peace. He also expressed gratitude to Fulani leaders for their support of the state’s security initiatives, acknowledging their documented efforts in maintaining safety.
The emergency security meeting included top government officials, security agencies, community leaders, and Fulani representatives.
Hon. Dare Joshua, Chairman of the Local Government Area, thanked the governor for his prompt action in preventing a major security crisis in the region.
