A sociocultural group “Apapo Omo Yagba” in Kogi state, has said that the exploration of mineral resources in their land is posing serious security challenge to Yagbaland, saying that the strengthening of their security system in the area by the government has become imminent.
According to the group, Apapo Omo Yagba is an organization formed to champion the well-being of the people of Yagbaland, which consists of Yagba West Local Government, Yagba East Local Government and Mopamuro Local Government of the state.
This position was contained in a communique issued by the Apapo Omo Yagba at the end of the Apapo Yagba Summit Tagged “Unity Summit” 2025. Held weekend at the Community town hall in Mopa.
The communique which was jointly signed by Engr. Ayodele Osasona,
Chairman and Hon. Prince Philip Orebiyi, Secretary AOY Unity Summit, 2025 Organizing Committee, appealed to the Local Government Council Chairmen in Yagba land to synergize their efforts, compare notes and work with the conventional security agencies to fight insecurity in the area
The communique which read in part said “It is also important to have a separate account for security trust funds and put a strategy in place to make the collection and spending of such funds transparent
“The committee strategy will include getting more people that are not in AOY platform to key in, especially those commercial drivers and farmers that are mostly hit by the activities of these criminals
“It was further resolved that, Apapo Omo YAGBA should give supports to our local hunters and other security agents for effectiveness and efficiency.
It is also important to have a separate account for security trust funds and put a strategy in place to make the collection and spending of such funds transparent
“The summit agreed that the terrible state of Federal Roads in Yagba land is no longer acceptable and that all elected and appointed political office holders in conjunction with Yagba Sons and daughters with capacity should immediately interface with relevant agencies of government to ensure that our roads are fixed
On the infrastructural development lapses, the summit also called on the political office holders, civil servant, business moguls and relevant personalities to intensify lobby for the establishment of Federal presence in Yagba land like universities, polytechnics and establishment of branches of Federal agencies on Yagbaland.
On Youth Empowerment, the summit recognized the importance of Youths, but however said the under utilization of their potentials through unemployment and under employment is no longer acceptable to them.
“It was however resolved that all efforts should be done to ensure that our youths are exposed to and supported, and to be encouraged by our elected and appointed politicians to invest on Youth empowerment initiatives.
“Infrastructure is another important issue discussed, experts agreed that without efficient infrastructure, development may be an illusion, thus it is imperative that our people invest heavily on infrastructure.