Gunmen, suspected to be herdsmen, have reportedly killed Jacob Wodi Hulobu, a resident pastor of the Living Faith Church in Aloko-Oganenigwu, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. The attack occurred during the early hours on the 4th of April when the pastor and some of his members escaped to a safer area, but he later returned to check the state of the church and was shot dead. This tragic event has once again brought to the forefront the issue of insecurity in the country and the need for urgent action to address it.
Hulobu, who was organizing a crusade programme in the church, is survived by his wife and child. The incident is one of several violent attacks that have occurred in Kogi State recently, with little intervention from the government or security forces.
According to reports, the gunmen attacked the community in the early hours of the morning, shooting sporadically and setting houses ablaze. The pastor, identified as Reverend Samuel Adeyemi, was said to have been shot dead while trying to escape from the attackers. Several other people were also reportedly killed or injured in the attack.
The incident has been condemned by various individuals and organizations, including the Living Faith Church, which described the attack as “barbaric and senseless.” The church called on the government to take urgent action to bring the perpetrators to justice and to ensure the safety and security of citizens in the country.
This attack is not an isolated incident. In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in violent attacks by gunmen, including those suspected to be herdsmen. These attacks have resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and displacement of millions of people, particularly in the northern and central parts of the country.
The reasons for these attacks are complex and multifaceted, ranging from competition over resources such as land and water to political and religious tensions. However, what is clear is that the current security situation in the country is unacceptable and requires urgent attention from the government.
The government must prioritize the safety and security of citizens by taking concrete steps to address the root causes of these violent attacks. This includes implementing measures to address the issue of herdsmen-farmer clashes, addressing political and religious tensions, and improving the capacity of security agencies to respond to threats.
In addition, there is a need for increased community involvement in addressing security challenges. Communities must work with security agencies and government officials to identify and report suspicious activities and to develop strategies to protect themselves from attacks.
Finally, there is a need for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis caused by these attacks. Millions of people have been displaced from their homes and are in need of food, shelter, and medical care. The government and humanitarian organizations must work together to provide support and assistance to these individuals and families.
In conclusion, the recent attack on the Kogi community and the killing of the Living Faith Church pastor is a tragedy that highlights the urgent need for action to address the security situation in Nigeria. The government must take concrete steps to address the root causes of these violent attacks and ensure the safety and security of all citizens. Communities must also be involved in these efforts, and urgent action is needed to address the humanitarian crisis caused by these attacks. Only then can Nigeria truly be a safe and secure place for all its citizens.
