From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The apex socio-cultural organization of the Okun-Yoruba people of Kogi State, Okun Development Association (ODA) has taken a bold step towards addressing the security challenges facing Okunland by convening a security summit.

The summit, themed “Unlocking Okunland’s Full Potential through Strategic Partnerships,” was held on Friday March 28, 2025, in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Areas of Kogi State, resolved to implement a comprehensive security plan.

The all-important summit brought together high-level government officials, traditional rulers, security experts, and stakeholders from various sectors to brainstorm solutions to the escalating insecurity challenges plaguing the region.

It was moderated by a retired Director, Department of State Security Service and a renowned security expert, Dr. Williams Toyin Akanle.

In his address, the President-General of the ODA, Ambassador Akenson Rotimi, emphasized the need for a strategic and joint-action approach to tackle the insecurity menace.

In his remarks, Governor Ahmed Ododo, who was represented by the State Security Adviser, Cdr Jerry Duro Omodara (Rtd), expressed Kogi Government’s full support for the initiative.

The governor noted that grassroots community policing is recognized by his administration as a sustainable way of tackling insecurity challenges, stressing that the government was working assiduously in that regard.

A guest Speaker, CC Adetunji Adeleye, the Ondo State Commander of the South-West Security Network (Amotekun) and Coordinator of the Corps in the South-West State, emphasised the need for legislation for effective synergy in community policing among neighbouring states.

“Speaking on behalf of the Okun traditional rulers, the Olujumu of Ijumu and Chairman, Ijumu Traditional Council, HRM Oba Williams Ayeni, lamented the persistent attacks by some non-indigenous criminal elements.

This, the royal father said, was evidently driven by an agenda to grab the land of the Okun people, and possibly subjugate the people, and that this must be jointly resisted.

A communique containing the resolutions at the summit, which was signed by Chief Jibril Yusuf – Chairman; Araba Rufus Aiyenigba – Secretary; as well as Hon. Soji Olu; Pastor Dayo Thomas, as members, was issued to journalists on Sunday in Lokoja.

In the communique, the summit resolved to establish a well-funded grassroots community policing structure, recognizing that security is everyone’s business.

This structure will be supported by technology-driven security operations, with well-endowed Okun compatriots encouraged to render support. Proper profiling of settlers in Okun communities will also be carried out to prevent infiltration by criminal elements.

Other key resolutions included: Community engagement, Economic empowerment, Security Trust Fund,

Security Audit, Support for Vigilante groups, victims of security breaches, as well as support for traditional rulers to effectively perform their roles.

The summit stressed the importance of sharing credible information with security operatives and the need for discretion in the use of social media on security matters.

The summit advocated for job creation, economic empowerment, and social interventions as essential tools in reducing criminal activities and vulnerability of youths.

It also stressed the need for the establishment of a community-based Security Trust Fund in Okunland to support security initiatives, as well as Regular security audits to be conducted in all Okun communities to identify gaps and bridge them.

The summit further resolved to ensure proper incentives, motivation, and moral boosting for Okun vigilante groups and hunters, and a sustainable support system to be put in place for victims of security breaches in Okunland.

Conclusively, the summit resolved to ensure that proper support is provided to Okun traditional rulers from the government and well-meaning individuals in securing their domain, while traditional security measures are also encouraged by the communities.