By Stephen Oladele
Federal Government has been called upon to institute a probe into the alleged anti security activities of the former Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello State when he was in the office
The Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy [CODWA] and African Transparent Initiatives [ATI] made the call
The organisations made the call against the background of reports that Bello visited the National Security Adviser and there hailed the federal government over security gains.
The groups said Bello could not be pretending to be a pro security activist when he allegedly worsen security situation in Kogi State during his eight years tenure in the state.
The organisations in a statement jointly signed by the Executive Director of CODWA, Taiwo Otitolaye and the Country Director (Nigeria) of AIT, Shina Loremikan alleged that Bello amplified the already fragile security in the state to a catastrophy level with a lot of atrocities.
The groups urged the Federal Government to engage with victims of insecurity and credible civil society actors from Kogi State, and “not individuals whose tenure is directly linked to the crisis.”
The statement reads: “The Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy [CODWA] and African Transparent Initiatives [ATI] have noted with dismay reports of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, meeting with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and hailing the current administration over alleged security gains.
“While we commend any effort to support national security, we are compelled to set the record straight. Mr. Bello cannot and must not be allowed to rebrand himself as a voice on security when he bears direct responsibility for the deterioration of security in Kogi State during his 8 years as Governor.
“1. A LEGACY OF EXACERBATED INSECURITY IN KOGI STATE
As a sitting Governor for 8 years, Mr. Yahaya Bello amplified the already fragile security architecture in Kogi State to a catastrophic level. Under his watch, communities across the state experienced unprecedented attacks, kidnappings, and communal clashes. Instead of deploying state resources to protect lives and property, credible reports and victims’ testimonies indicate that his administration politicized security and failed to hold perpetrators accountable.
“2. ALLEGATIONS OF ARMING AND FINANCING ARMED GANGS
CODWA and ATI are deeply concerned by documented allegations that the Bello administration assembled and financed armed gangs that terrorized Kogi communities. This created a culture of impunity where violence became a tool of political control.
“When state resources are deployed to aid insecurity, the portents are bad; it becomes the very route of state gangsterism to destroy the economic system and dehumanize the people.
The result is a state that is still grappling with the consequences of state-enabled lawlessness.
3. THE MURDER OF MRS. SALOME ABUH: A SYMBOL OF STATE FAILURE
One of the most horrendous and inhuman acts under the Yahaya Bello regime was the barbaric killing of Mrs. Salome Abuh, a PDP Women Leader, who was set ablaze in her home in Ochadamu, Ofu LGA, on November 18, 2019, in the aftermath of the Kogi governorship election.
When we look back, it brings a memory of horror — a Hydra-headed dragonia of a failed society where political thuggery was rewarded and human life was cheapened.
To date, justice for Mrs. Abuh remains incomplete. This singular atrocity captures the depth of insecurity and impunity that defined that administration.
“4. INVITING INSTABILITY: THE GUMI VISIT AND FULANI SETTLEMENT DIRECTIVE
In 2021, Mr. Bello invited Sheikh Ahmad Gumi to Kogi State. Immediately after that visit, terrorism and banditry escalated in Kogi West Senatorial District, the exact area visited. That district has known no peace since.
“More troubling was the directive allegedly issued by the former Governor inviting Fulani groups to settle in Kogi State, with threats to depose any traditional ruler who resisted. This was a direct assault on the authority of our traditional institutions and amounted to state-aided actions that heightened tension, fear, and violent conflict across communities.
“5. KOGI IS STILL BLEEDING
The truth is simple: Kogi State is currently bleeding due to the multifaceted negative exigencies of the former governor. To see Mr. Bello now speak on security gains is an insult to the families who lost loved ones, the communities that were displaced, and the traditional rulers whose authority was undermined under his administration.
“OUR DEMAND
CODWA and ATI call on the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, and relevant authorities to immediately institute a public probe into the atrocities perpetrated under the Yahaya Bello administration including the murder of Mrs. Salome Abuh and other cases of politically motivated violence.
“We further urge the Federal Government to engage with victims of insecurity and credible civil society actors from Kogi State, not individuals whose tenure is directly linked to the crisis.
“We urge Mr. Yahaya Bello to first account for his stewardship and allow genuine peacebuilding efforts to take place without political grandstanding.
“Kogi people deserve justice, healing, and real security – not revisionist narratives.”
