Mr Moses Olorunleke, the Chairman of Kogi’s Kabba-Bunu Local Government, has declared Thursday a day of fasting and prayer for peace to return to the area.
The chairman said the declaration had been approved by Kabba’s Obaro, Oba Solomon Dele-Owoniyi, in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kabba.
All shops and offices are to be closed throughout the day for fasting and prayers, according to the chairman.
He explained that the fasting and prayers had become necessary because of the recent insecurity in the area.
Two explosions in the area within two weeks, according to the chairman, aggravated the security situation.
“On May 11, the first explosion occurred, followed by another on May 29.
“This is a serious development that necessitates drastic and spiritual measures,” Olorunleke said, adding that Thursday (June 16) has been designated as a day of solemn assembly in the area.
He urged residents of the area, both Muslims and Christians, to pray to God to restore peace to the once-peaceful region.
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“Of course, there can never be any development in our area unless there is peace.”
“Those who are causing trouble in the area, please leave the good citizens of Kabba-Bunu alone,” he pleaded.
Following the explosion on May 30, the chairman ordered that beer parlours in Kabba town close at 7 p.m. every day.
From May 31, Olorunleke also ordered commercial motorcyclists to cease operations at 10 p.m. indefinitely.
The first explosion injured 16 people and killed two of them, while the second explosion injured 11 people and killed one of them.
The chairman’s declaration was confirmed by Kogi Police Command Public Relations Officer William Ovye-Aya.
He stated that the command’s officers and men were prepared to provide adequate security for the area’s residents in order to ensure the fasting and prayers’ success.
