Mixed reactions have trailed the killing by security operatives of one Kabir Bala(aka Okwo), who they described as the criminal that master minded the burning alive of Salome Abu, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) woman leader in Kogi State in 2019.
While some Igala indigenes showered praises on Okwo. Security operatives who gunned him down said he was brought down because of his unrepentant attitude after he was granted amnesty by the Kogi State a few years ago.
One Hon. Amuda Yusuf Rasaki, an Igala indigene while eulogizing Okwo on his Facebook page said: “I don’t know how to say goodbye my leader👑 Kabir Bala(Okwo). If truly it is that you are dead💀because, I find it hard to believe that you are dead💀. I want to tell you that you died a HERO of Igala Kingdom. May Almighty Allah forgive your shortcomings.”
According to a group, Udamaigala: “Rest on legendary community leader, political actor & icon Mr Kabir Bala (aka Ã’kwór of Ejule) who stood his ground for justice equity and fairness for his community and his people, he laid down his life for his people to breathe today. Rest on Gà à bà idu of Ejule as he is popularly called. Continue to rest as the memories you have left will continue to live on in our lives today & forever.”
However, in its report on the gunning down of Okwo, the Department of State Services (DSS) in a statement by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Peter Afunanya said: “A joint security team comprising the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army and Police carried out operations in Nasarawa and Kogi States. On 19th June, 2023 along the Abuja- Keffi Expressway in Keffi LGA of Nasarawa State, the team apprehended Abubakar Muhammad (aka Abu Direba), a suspected gunrunner.
“During the operation, the team seized the following insidious items: Four Hundred and Eighty-Six (486) rounds of 7.62 x39mm calibre ammunition; twenty-two (22) primed IEDs; the sum of thirty-one thousand, five hundred naira (N31,500) and One (1) Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number- RBC202XA.
“In another joint operation in the early hours of today, 22nd June, 2023, a team raided the hideout of Kabir Bala (aka Okwo), one time jail breaker and notorious gang leader in Ejule, Ofu LGA of Kogi State. Okwo and his gang members engaged the troops in a gun duel during which he was neutralised.
“Others, however, fled the area. Items recovered at the scene were one AK47 rifle with three (3) fully loaded magazines, six (6) locally fabricated weapons, two (2) phones and charms.
“On its part, the DSS calls for vigilance prior to the Eid celebrations more so that reports had indicated plans to attack worship and recreational centres before and during the festivities. This is evident in the recovery of primed IEDs among the suspected terrorists.
“Operators and patrons of public places including markets, malls etc are advised to be watchful and report any suspicious movements and persons to the relevant security agencies. Accordingly, the Service will continue to partner with sister agencies for necessary proactive drills to frustrate criminals and their activities.”
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