Clash: LG chairman, security agencies restore peace in Kogi community

By Stephen Adeleye

The swift intervention of Alhaji Ibrahim Haruna, Chairman, Ijumu Local Government Area, and security agencies in the clash between indigenes of Ilughagba community in Kogi and truck drivers has restored peace to the area.

A rising tension was reported on Tuesday at Ilughagba over access to the community water supply,  which led to a fracas between residents and truck drivers working for Samjones, a subcontractor, at Mangal Cement Factory.

The situation escalated, disrupting normal activities and raising security concerns, even as six persons were injured and several shops destroyed.

Haruna, in a statement made available to NAN on Wednesday, confirmed the deployment of security operatives to the area to prevent further unrest.

According to him, personnel from the military, Department of State Service, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS), and local hunters, have been mobilised to maintain order in the community.

The chairman said that a stakeholders meeting was held with the affected community members and representatives of Samjones, and it was reaffirmed that the community had full rights over its natural resources.

Haruna assured residents that his administration would not tolerate any form of maltreatment or undue pressure from external parties.

“To find a lasting resolution, I convened a management meeting involving representatives from Mangal Cement Factory, Samjones, the local community, and security agencies.

“After thorough deliberation, the meeting resolved an immediate restoration of the community’s borehole water supply, which was damaged during the conflict.

“The meeting also restricted water access to local residents only, prohibiting truck drivers and subcontracted company staff from using the supply.

“The operations of Samjones in the area was also suspended until a permanent resolution is reached.

“All properties and goods lost or damaged by residents during the dispute will be replaced after due scrutiny.

“Affected individuals are advised to submit an honest and detailed list of stolen or damaged items for verification,”Haruna said.

He commended the community for their hospitable nature, stressing that this had contributed to the region’s industrial development, including the establishment of the cement factory in Ilughagba.

The chairman further urged all parties to maintain peace while efforts continue toward a sustainable solution.

The chairman of the neighboring Mopamuro Local Government, Mr Ademola Bello, a co-host of the Mangal cement factory, also attended the meeting.

“Bello’s contributions were invaluable towards restoring calm to the situation and towards finding a lasting solution to the underlying issues,” Haruna said. (NAN)