The Kogi state chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused the Kogi state government of stockpiling weapons and training 3,000 militia in the guise of vigilantes ahead of next month elections.
PDP State Chairman Dr. Samuel Uhuotu who stated this on Thursday at a press conference in Abuja, called on the security agencies to take urgent actions to avert political crisis and widespread destruction of lives and property in the state.
He said: “We call on the National Peace Committee under the eminent leadership of Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar (rtd), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs , the Civil Society Organisations and the international community to pay special attention to the veritable flash point which Kogi has become in the forthcoming elections and prevail on the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello,to desist from promoting state-sponsored violence in order to spare the innocent people of the State from inexorable catastrophe that is now unfolding like a Greek tragedy.”
Uhuotu also stated, “This is because it is an indication of active connivance or tacit endorsement by State functionaries especially the Local Government Administrators who now function like are commanders.
The state chairman revealed that, “There have also been more recent revelations of arms build-up in the State as well as arming and training of 3,000 strong military disguised as vigilantes at the Kogi Confluence Stadium, Lokoja. We belief these militia are being prepared for full-scale deployment to unleash violence and disruption during the forthcoming elections.”
Those present at the press conference include former governors of the state, Capt. Idris Wada, Ibrahim Idrs and former acting governor, Clarence Olufemi, Senator Dino Melaye among others.
