By ABUBAKAR YUSUF

A paramount ruler and Onu Ankpa, Alhaji Abdulmalik Umar, has appealed to both local, state and federal governments to collaborate over the fragile security situations in Ankpa town, while calling for the establishment of a military base to counter further activities of the criminal elements in the area .

The Onu Ankpa bared his mind in a message of condolence to the people of Ankpa town and its environs, particularly those that lost their loved ones during the unfortunate incidence on Wednesday.

His Royal Highness expressed worries that 10 years after similar incident was witnessed, government was no longer proactive to avoid reoccurrence from the men of the underworld.

He maintained that Ankpa town deserve more presence of security agencies, particularly as it is it the gateway to the South Eastern states of Nigeria, as well as the most commercially and densely populated area in Kogi East.

He called on the security agencies to intensify intelligence gatherings, and form a synergy with the local vigilante groups, so as to nip in the bud, any of such dastardly acts from the men of the underworld.

“We had similar criminal invasion of fully armed men about a decade ago, the period is enough to set up a military base in Ankpa, so as to secure lives and property of innocent citizens going about their legitimate activities.

“The local government cannot do it, hence, we are calling on the state and federal governments to come to our aid, to discourage any further incursion to Ankpa town of this hardened criminals.

“My kingdom has been enjoying relative peace and development, therefore, the need for complimentary efforts on the part of government to restore people’s confidence, security of lives and properties.

“With the palpable insecurity due to the invasion by armed robbers, the local investors and traders daily trooping into the town for their legitimate activities will no longer rely on the fragile security.”

Alhaji Abdulmalik Umar prayed against such reoccurrence, saying government should rise to the occasion.

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