Ododo Sends Delegation to Okete, Moves to End Farmers-Herders Clashes »

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has waded into the lingering crisis between farmers and herders in Okete community, Dekina Local Government Area, with a firm pledge to restore peace and bring perpetrators to justice.

Represented by the Chairman of Dekina LGA, Hon. John Urah Ikani, the governor’s delegation included the Chairman of Bassa LGA, Hon. Theophilus Daruwana, security agencies and other stakeholders. Addressing residents, the governor urged both sides to sheathe their swords, stressing that his administration is committed to “lasting security” across the area and will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone fomenting trouble.

He further assured that those behind previous attacks would be tracked, arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law, reiterating his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on violence.

Speaking on behalf of youths in the community, Isiah Ikani, the Okete youth leader, said tensions escalated after alleged incursions by herders from the Bassa axis, which, according to him, led to attacks on farmers in their fields. He noted that several families have suffered injuries and fatalities, calling for robust security presence and swift justice.

Community leaders Zekeri Haruka and Akoh Jacob welcomed the state government’s intervention, commending the governor for prioritizing peace in the area. They pledged the community’s cooperation with authorities and reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence.

Security operatives at the meeting urged residents to promptly share actionable intelligence to help forestall reprisals and ensure the safe return to normal farming activities.

The visit marks a renewed push by the state government to de-escalate tensions in rural flashpoints, with officials emphasizing sustained engagement, joint community-security patrols, and prosecution of offenders as key pillars of the response.