Lokoja, June 19, 2025 – Amid rising cases of abductions and insecurity in his constituency, the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District has turned to prayers, calling on divine intervention to stem the tide of kidnappings plaguing communities in the area.
The lawmaker, visibly distressed by the worsening security situation, made the spiritual appeal during a constituency outreach in Lokoja, where he met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders. He lamented that despite ongoing security efforts, kidnapping incidents have remained persistent and, in some areas, have intensified in recent weeks.
“After every legislative step and security engagement, we are left with no option but to seek the face of God,” the Senator said. “Our people can no longer sleep peacefully, travel safely, or go about their daily lives without fear. This is no longer just a policing issue — it has become a spiritual battle.”
The Senator noted that some villages have become ghost towns as residents flee from repeated attacks by criminal gangs. He disclosed that several motions had been raised on the floor of the National Assembly to draw federal attention to the security crisis, but the impact on ground remains minimal.
Religious leaders at the gathering offered prayers for divine protection and called for unity among communities to resist criminal infiltration. Local security volunteers and vigilantes were also urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with formal security agencies.
While calling for intensified security deployment across blackspots in Kogi West, the Senator reiterated his commitment to legislative advocacy and grassroots engagement. He also appealed to the Federal Government to provide more logistical support to security operatives working in the affected areas.
Residents in parts of Kabba, Yagba, and Lokoja local government areas have raised alarm over the increasing frequency of kidnappings along major roads and farm settlements, often involving demands for heavy ransoms.
As security agencies continue to pursue suspects and patrol vulnerable zones, the Senator’s turn to prayer underscores both the desperation of affected communities and the limitations of existing response mechanisms.
