Okun Forum calls for abolition of CP in Kogi

The group's Director of Security and Intelligence, retired Brigadier General Benjamin Ipinyomi, made the call in Lagos State while briefing journalists on the security situation in Kogi.

Ipinyomi claimed that the call for the sacking of the police commissioner in Kogi had become necessary due to several killings and kidnappings that were not being investigated by the command.

He claimed that the Communist Party was oppressing the state's indigenous population, especially opposition groups.

According to him, Onuoha declared a red alert in the state in anticipation of a supposed crisis following the Supreme Court ruling on Friday. One wonders on whose instructions he requested additional personnel.

“Has the Commissioner of Police become the spokesman of the Supreme Court? He should explain to Nigerians the record of all murders during his tenure in the Kogi Police Command.

“What are the causes of the high level of insecurity in the state? What measures has it taken to contain the insecurity in the state? What kinetic and non-kinetic strategies has it taken to contain the insecurity?

“What has he done since he came to power to combat illegal mining in the state? Why did he authorise the use of three to four tanks to storm a residential area in Ayingba where innocent civilians were being murdered?” he asked.

The retired general called on President Bola Tinubu to instruct all branches of government to critically examine Kogi affairs with a view to the security and welfare of the people.

He called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr Olukayode Egbetokun, to shed more light on Onuoha’s activities.

Ipinyomi therefore called on the IG to deploy a new Commissioner of Police to Kogi to improve security in the state.

In his response, the spokesperson of the Kogi Police Command, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, said there was no truth in the forum’s allegations.

Williams said the state remained peaceful and the joint security agencies under the command were monitoring the entire state.

He said Ipinyomi could not be in Lagos State and know what was going on in Kogi, urging him and others to play by the rules for the development of the state.

“The security of Kogi is not only the responsibility of the police and security agencies, the residents also have their own responsibilities.

“There is no insecurity in the state. The kidnapped students have been rescued, criminals are being arrested and prosecuted by the police,” he said.