A former House of Representatives member, Hon TeeJay Yusuf has called on Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Kogi government and other security agencies to quickly curb the rising insecurity in Okun area of Kogi State.

Hon TeeJay Yusuf made this disclosure in a statement he personally signed on Monday stating that:

“Given the increasing state of insecurity across Okun Land; particularly Bunu District of Kogi State in the past few months, I wish to strongly urge the Kogi state Government, and all security agencies to urgently take more proactive measures towards addressing the precarious situation.

“According to reports, indigenes and residents of communities across the stretch of the five local government areas that make up the Okun-Yoruba axis of the state have been victims of attacks by groups of charlatans whose identities are not known.

“More so, it is very sad that people in the Bunu District within Kabba-Bunu LGA, have been subjected to perennial harassment, intimidation, and kidnapping by some hideous criminals.

“From reports, these callously wicked, and criminally-infected persons attack, and kidnap innocent people of these communities with brazenness. More intriguing is that, some victims are kidnapped directly from the comfort of their homes; while sleeping at night.

” Aside subjecting their victims to unexplainable, and pitiable shocks and pain, they; and their families, friends, and respective communities are harrowed and forced to pay huge sums of ransom; that are not readily available as the majority are peasant farmers.

“Many people believe that the unrestrained cases of kidnapping and similar attacks on the communities are not unconnected to the chequered manner in which the Kogi state government allegedly opened its borders to people of questionable characters; in the name of politics between 2020 and 2022.

“Also, some other people alluded to the fact that, given their styles of operations and idiosyncrasies, the influx of these people to different locations in Okun Land, may have contributed in no small measures to the worrying, and disturbing situation at hand.

“As a result of the frequency of these nefarious and callous attacks, the peace loving people of these communities are experiencing psychological torture, and emotional pain as they now live in perpetual fear, worries, and anxiety; not knowing who the next victim will be.

“Also, the people, who are basically farmers have practically abandoned their farmlands, out of fear of being kidnapped. This development, has brought about hunger, poverty, and untoward hardships across the communities and towns in the affected areas.

“Noting the preponderance of kidnapping and attacks on our people, I humbly call on the state government to immediately emplace result-yielding measures to effectively tackle the disturbing trend. Also, I implore various law enforcement and security agencies, with necessary support from the state government to collaborate with one another towards ensuring the protection of lives and properties in these communities.

“Finally, as I sympathise with the families, friends, colleagues, and associates of those that have been victims of these dastardly attacks, I appeal for calm, law, and order as government and relevant agencies do all that is necessary in tackling the menace.

“It is imperative to reiterate that the state government must do everything lawful to safeguard the safety of her citizens, and their properties; which is the primary function of the administration.”

Rt. Hon. TeeJay Yusuf
(3-Term Member, House of Representatives; representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency)

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed strong disapproval of recent remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who suggested the removal of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in favor of a transitional government. Trump warned that such statements could disrupt ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

In an interview with NBC News on Sunday, Trump stated his frustration over Putin’s comments, emphasizing their potential to derail peace efforts.

“If I feel we’re in the midst of a negotiation, you could say that I was very angry, pissed off, when Putin started getting into Zelenskyy’s credibility, because that’s not going in the right direction,” Trump said. He further argued that a leadership change in Ukraine would significantly delay any potential peace agreement.

Trump also issued a warning to Moscow, threatening secondary tariffs on Russian oil exports if a ceasefire deal was not reached soon. The proposed tariffs, ranging between 25 percent and 50 percent, would apply to all Russian oil exports and take effect within a month if negotiations fail.

“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault — which it might not be — but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump declared. “That would mean if you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States.”

Trump’s comments come after he previously criticized Zelensky last month, referring to him as a “dictator” and questioning his approval ratings in Ukraine.

As of now, the Kremlin has not responded to Trump’s remarks. However, the U.S. President indicated that he plans to speak with Putin later this week.

The Kano State Government has dispatched a high-level delegation to Edo State to seek justice for victims of a recent tragic incident that claimed innocent lives.

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, confirmed the development, stressing the government’s determination to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

“The Kano State Government is deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident. We are committed to seeking justice for the victims and ensuring that their rights are protected,” Waiya stated.

According to him, the delegation’s mission includes engaging with the Edo State Government to facilitate investigations and identify the perpetrators.

“We are working closely with the Edo authorities to ensure that justice is served. Those affected deserve nothing less,” he added.

The delegation will also meet with the leadership of the Hausa community in Edo State to discuss their concerns, offer support, and explore strategies to maintain peace and unity among residents.

Waiya urged the public to remain calm and avoid any actions that could escalate tensions.

“We understand the pain and frustration this has caused, but we urge everyone to exercise restraint. The government is taking both diplomatic and legal steps to address the situation effectively,” he assured.

Meanwhile, the Kano State Government extended its condolences to the bereaved families, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased.