Dekina Security: Group lists past killings, urges end to ‘baseless’ comparisons
BY AKAGWU MEDIA
Let’s set the record straight.
Nobody should politicise insecurity, nor should anyone exploit the genuine concerns of the people of Dekina to create a false impression that any administration had a monopoly on peace and security.
Dekina Local Government Area has experienced different security challenges under different administrations, and the issue should be discussed with fairness, facts and a sense of responsibility.
First, let us acknowledge the obvious: Hon. John Urah Ikani is the Chairman of Dekina LGA today, and the people have entrusted him with leadership. His administration deserves the opportunity to govern, and every genuine effort towards maintaining peace and security should be acknowledged.
He has been described by many of his supporters as the Chairman of Hope and Restoration.
However, the attempt by some commentators to portray the past administration of Hon. Prince Ishaq Shaibu Okolo as though insecurity was virtually nonexistent requires a more balanced examination.
INSECURITY DID NOT START TODAY
Below are some of the fatal incidents recorded during the tenure of Prince Ishaq Okolo:
1. Shaggari Ojjiji, APC Iyale Ward Chairman, was killed.
2. Musa Memory, APC Youth Leader, Egume Ward, was killed.
3. Adegbe Iyoma, Ajiolo Ojaji, was killed.
4. Abdulrahaman Hassan, Abocho, was killed.
5. A schoolboy in Abocho was killed.
6. Ogwu, a timber dealer in Anyigba, was killed.
7. Tijani Ogbogolo, Anyigba, was killed.
8. Umoru Hassan, Agala Road, Anyigba, was killed.
9. Danladi Hassan, Abocho, was killed.
10. Usman Idris Akahaba, Anyigba, was killed.
11. Abbas Shaibu Atilary, Agbeji, Anyigba, was killed.
And let’s not forget that Yunusa himself was kidnapped in 2020 while leaving Prince Ishaq’s residence when he was Chairman. The location where he was killed on the road was not even within Dekina LGA.
These names represent human lives, families and communities. They should never be reduced to political ammunition.
This is precisely why the argument that “there was peace then, but there is insecurity now” is too simplistic and does not reflect the realities of security challenges in Dekina LGA.
LET’S CONTINUE WITH THE RECORD
During Prince Ishaq’s tenure, several other tragic incidents were also recorded:
– Hon. Adejoh Akowe was killed during his tenure.
– Shaibu Alih Exban was also killed during his time.
– Cboy Achema Awokee was beaten to death during his tenure.
– Yusuf Musa was killed at Agudoko Junction, Anyigba.
– Usman Ocheni, popularly known as Cornell, was killed.
– Sunday Omale was also killed in Oganaji, Anyigba.
– Ukekwu Ojeomu was killed in Anyigba.
The list is much longer.
If someone travels outside Dekina LGA and unfortunately becomes a victim of crime elsewhere, it is unfair and dishonest to blame the Dekina Chairman simply because the victim is from Dekina.
That is not how security administration works.
Security is a collective responsibility involving security agencies, communities, traditional institutions, state and local governments, and other relevant stakeholders.
The freedom of movement, reduced harassment and relative peace enjoyed by the people of Dekina LGA today are a reflection of the purposeful leadership of our Chairman, Hon. John Urah Ikani, and the collective efforts of security stakeholders.
Rather than engaging in baseless comparisons between the administration of Prince Ishaq and that of John Ikani, let us demand a stronger and more effective security framework for Dekina LGA.
Our focus should be on protecting lives, securing communities and ensuring that residents can go about their legitimate activities without fear.
In addition, key stakeholders, traditional rulers and the government understand both the past and present security situation in Dekina LGA. They continue to support the current Chairman, Hon. John Urah Ikani, in his efforts to do what is best for the people.
Dekina needs unity, responsible leadership and collective action on security — not the politicisation of human suffering.
