Gladness Gideon
On Wednesday, April 9, a group of aggrieved women from Oke-Ere, a community located in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, staged a poignant protest against what they describe as an “endless reign of terror” unleashed by armed kidnappers and herdsmen.
The demonstration, which drew attention to the growing insecurity in the area, saw the women—many of whom were elderly—marching through the community in a display of collective grief and defiance.
Videos shared from the protest show the women, some half-naked, walking through the streets, their faces etched with sorrow. The mournful chants and tearful expressions reflected the deep anguish the community has endured due to relentless attacks, kidnappings, and killings carried out by criminal elements in recent months.
Some protesters were heard wailing and singing sorrowful songs as they pleaded for immediate intervention from authorities to end the reign of terror that has plagued their lives. The protests come amid escalating fears that the ongoing wave of kidnappings and violent attacks by armed herdsmen and kidnappers has created an atmosphere of insecurity and fear in the region.
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Local residents have raised alarm over the situation, which they claim has left many in the community traumatized, with families torn apart as loved ones are abducted and sometimes killed. This protest, driven by the grief of mothers, daughters, and grandmothers, highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures in the area.
The women, in their desperation, called on government officials and security agencies to take swift action to restore peace and security to their community, which has become a hotspot for criminal activity in recent months.
While the protest is a cry for help, it also serves as a stark reminder of the growing challenges facing rural communities across Nigeria, where insecurity and violence from various armed groups continue to disrupt lives and livelihoods. Authorities are yet to respond publicly to the protest, but it is hoped that their voices will be heard, and the plight of the people of Oke-Ere will not go unnoticed.