Residents of Oyo-Iwa, a community located near the Dangote Cement Plant in Kogi State, are living in fear as a wave of kidnappings and killings continues to plague the once peaceful area. During a recent protest, distressed locals called on both the government and the Dangote Group to intervene and restore security and economic support to their embattled community.
In a viral video aired by Arise Television, a woman identified as Jenifer Modupe gave an emotional account of the community’s suffering. She blamed the recurring attacks on the false assumption by kidnappers that everyone in the area is wealthy due to the presence of the Dangote company.
“Because Dangote is here, they think we are all rich. They are killing us anyhow, as if we’re Dangote’s family. They come here, kidnap our people, demand huge ransoms, and kill us like chickens,” she said tearfully.
Modupe revealed that the fear has forced many residents to flee their homes, leaving the community nearly deserted. She appealed to the government for urgent security intervention and also urged Dangote to provide employment opportunities for locals to help alleviate poverty and reduce the vulnerability of the people.
“If we had jobs and money, maybe we could survive this. But right now, we have nothing. They are oppressing us, and we are crying for help,” she added.
Another resident, Elijah, expressed frustration over allegations that large sums of money had been given to the community by the Dangote Group, yet locals have seen no benefit.
“They claim Dangote has given this community over ₦100 million, but we haven’t seen anything. We are suffering. We can’t even go to our farms anymore,” he lamented.
The community is calling for urgent government intervention, improved security presence, and corporate responsibility from companies operating in the region. They say their lives and livelihoods are at stake and are pleading for swift action before the situation worsens.
Oyo-Iwa’s case is one of several across Nigeria’s rural communities, where economic hardship and security challenges continue to affect citizens living near large-scale industrial operations.
