Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State

The Ebira Peoples Association (EPA) has tasked security agencies over what it called the infiltration of foreigners in Kogi, especially worship centres, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports.

Dr Adeiza Abdulrahman, National president of the Association, said this at a news conference on the spate of kidnapping and ‎other violent crimes in the state.

Abdulrahman also called on the Federal Government‎‎ to urgently address the issue and other acts of insecurity such as kidnapping, armed robbery and terrorism in Ebira land and Kogi.

‎”We recently noticed the presence of several foreigners in a number of worship centers in our land and we have genuine concerns about their intentions and activities which may already be targeted at indoctrinating unsuspecting residents.

“They are usually seen with children and teenagers. We humbly request for these foreigners to be investigated,

“First to determine the validity of their presence in the country, and, if found to have valid papers, then they ought to be placed under surveillance to keep track of their activities,” he said.‎

Abdulrahman also urged the Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau, who was present at the press conference, to ensure the redeployment of some security agents that had stayed long in the area for efficiency.

He pledged the cooperation of the communities in the state in volunteering relevant information to security agencies in order to rid the state of criminality.

The Minister assured the association of support, especially due to the strategic importance of the state in the country.

‎”The issue of security is of great importance as far as Kogi is concerned.

“We are not unaware that Gov. Yahaya Bello is doing what he can to rid the state of these problems but we know that those challenges are there and we are focusing our attention there.

“We are doing the much we can to ensure that the lives of the citizens are protected,” Dambazau said.

He said the Federal Government would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure peace and stability across the country.