The Kogi State Traditional Council of chiefs, led by His Royal Majesty, Alaji Mathew Opaluwa Ogwuche-Akpa, Atta Igala, paid a visit to Governor Yahaya Bello at the Government House in Lokoja on Monday.
Atta Igala expressed the purpose of their visit, which was to offer their sympathies to the Governor regarding the attack on his convoy by a political group on his way from Abuja to Lokoja on Saturday.
The Atta Igala strongly condemned the attack, labeling it as a criminal act that must not be repeated in Kogi State going forward.
Taking advantage of the occasion, His Royal Majesty, Alaji Mathew Opaluwa Ogwuche-Akpa, also cautioned politicians and their followers to ensure that their campaigns are conducted without resorting to violence or intimidation.
In his prayers for the continuous well-being of Governor Yahaya Bello and the progress of Kogi State, His Royal Majesty, the Ohimege-Igu of Koto Karfe, Abdulrazaq Isah Koto, emphasized that the state, which has enjoyed significant peace and tranquility under the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello, will continue to remain peaceful. He urged politicians to adhere to the established rules.
The governor described the attackers’ actions as criminal, emphasizing that such lawlessness would never be tolerated in the state. He called upon the security forces, including the traditional rulers, to play their part in ensuring the continuity of peace in the state ahead of the election. He stressed the need for collective efforts to combat criminality and firmly stated that there is no room for division in Kogi State.
Governor Bello commended the traditional rulers for their proactive and fatherly guidance, expressing his appreciation for their visit and sympathy.
He also highlighted the historical connection between the Igala and Ebira people, emphasizing that politicians campaigning along ethnic and religious lines were causing problems in the state. The governor assured the traditional leaders of his unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order in the state.
The royal fathers were led by the President of Kogi State Council of Chiefs, the Atta Igala, HRM Alaji Mathew Opaluwa Ogwuche-Akpa in company of the Ohimege-Igu of Koto Karfe, HRM Abdulrazaq Isah Koto, the Obaro of Kabba, HRM Michael Dele Owoniyi and others