Residents of Oganenigu communities in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State are living in fear and despair following a renewed wave of attacks by suspected herdsmen. The sustained violence has displaced over 50,000 people, forcing many to seek refuge in neighboring villages and leaving countless others homeless.
The most recent attack, which occurred on Saturday, July 26, 2025, was particularly brutal. Dozens of homes were set ablaze, and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed in the onslaught.
The scale of the devastation has deepened the suffering of the people, many of whom are now grappling not only with the trauma of displacement but also with the looming threat of hunger due to their inability to access their farmlands and daily livelihoods.
Dr. A. P. Onuh, Executive Chairman of the Oganenigu Youth for Peace and Development Foundation, described the situation as heartbreaking.
He expressed deep concern over the deteriorating conditions of his people, saying that Oganenigu, once a thriving and peaceful community, has now been reduced to a population of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) within their own land.
He lamented that the persistent fear of attacks has brought farming and commercial activities to a standstill, further deepening the crisis.
In a passionate appeal, Dr. Onuh called on the Kogi State Government to act without delay.
He urged Governor Usman Ododo to deploy security operatives to the affected areas in order to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed.
According to him, the deployment of security forces is critical to calming the tense situation and enabling the safe return of displaced residents.
Dr. Onuh also emphasized the need for the state government to set up a high powered fact finding committee to investigate the recurring attacks and recommend lasting solutions to the herders’ aggression in the region. In addition, he appealed for immediate relief from emergency response agencies to alleviate the suffering of displaced residents, noting that such interventions are essential to help the community rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
He warned that the cries of the Oganenigu people must not go unheard. “The time to act is now,” Dr. Onuh stressed, adding that swift and decisive action by the government would demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting the lives and property of its citizens.
As the community continues to reel from the devastating impact of the attacks, the people of Oganenigu are placing their hope in the government to take urgent steps that will guarantee their safety and restore normalcy. Dr. Onuh concluded by expressing optimism that Kogi State can emerge stronger and more united from this tragedy if concrete and compassionate actions are taken immediately.
The call is clear: the residents of Oganenigu want peace, security, and the opportunity to return to their homes and livelihoods. It is now up to the government to respond to that call with the seriousness and urgency it deserves.
