Palpable fears now grip the residents of Kopako community in Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State as the crisis continues unabated over the appointment of a village head.
More than 200 people have currently fled the community due to threats to their lives and properties.
The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the tussle over the appointment of the village head in Kopako has recently resulted in intimidation and subsequent attacks by some groups who have deliberately ignored the laid-down rules of the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, due to some perceived sentiments.
In a four-page letter signed by Barrister Oluwole Oluranti Esq., titled “Complaint against threat to life, causing grievous hurt, possession of dangerous weapons dated 27th April 2024, and received in the office of the Niger State Commissioner of Police dated 29th April 2024,” it indicates that the perpetrators disregard the Etsu Nupe’s directive.
ALSO READ: My administration’s policy will be harnessed under five-point agenda — Gov Adeleke
According to the letter, page two of paragraph three, the ascendency to the throne of Village Head of Kopako community was recently affirmed with the agreement of all the ruling houses.
It further indicates that after the death of the last village head, Mallam Muhammed Kuso Gana, in March 2024, it was the turn of the Zhitsu Gbogbo ruling house to ascend the throne. However, due to shoddy deals of some personalities, Alhaji Mohammed Yisa of Zhitsu Yisa compound was unilaterally installed.
As a result of the injustice, all the ruling houses approached the Etsu Nupe at the Wadata Palace Bida on the 24th of April 2024. After listening to all affected parties, the Emir directed that Alhaji Mohammed Yisa be removed and replaced by the rightful person from Zhitsu Gbogbo ruling house.
On that fateful day, Etsu Nupe also directed that the rotational ascension established by the palace be strictly adhered to as part of resolutions to avoid future clashes.
Barr. Oluwole Oluranti Esq. in the letter also expressed concern over the incessant attacks on his clients as both the Police Command, Bida Area Command, and Doko Police station seem to be overwhelmed.
“This inaction by the police seems to have given the attackers courage to regroup and attack my clients on 25th, 26th, and 27th of April without legal action on over 20 principal perpetrators of the heinous crimes,” the Barrister emphasized.
Barr. Oluwole, however, seeks prompt intervention of the security agencies to bring the ugly situation under control to enable his clients to go back to their community for lasting peace to prevail.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the receipt of the complaint letter but said the letter had been referred to the SCID Minna for proper investigation.
He said the SCID Operatives had been mobilized to the scene on 4th May, while the alleged suspects were nowhere to be found; “they were on the run,” Wasiu stated.
However, he said the police are working with the community to apprehend the perpetrators, assuring that the perpetrators will be brought to book.
Also, in an interview, the Commissioner for Homeland and Security, Major General Abdullahi Bello (rtd), confirmed the crisis in Kopako community and assured that in the shortest possible time, everything will be normalized.
“The government is not resting to put the situation under control; all security agencies have been put on their toes to avert any possible outbreak of law and order as punitive measures have been put in place to punish anyone found wanting,” Bello reiterated.
