Urging President Bola Tinubu’s administration to initiate an investigation, Confluence Patriot, a group based in Kogi, has raised concerns about the reported human rights abuses under former governor Yahaya Bello.
Describing Bello’s eight-year tenure as tumultuous, characterized by a high number of killings and the suppression of political adversaries.
In a statement released in Abuja on Monday by Abdulwahab Omeiza, the Secretary to the Executive Committee of the group, they recalled the tragic incident of the burning of a female PDP chieftain, Salome Abuh, in Kogi East during the 2019 election that secured Bello’s second term.
The group criticized Bello’s silence on such incidents throughout his tenure as inhumane and emphasized the need for investigation to avoid leaving a negative legacy for future generations.
Highlighting the rampant human rights abuses during Bello’s administration, the group mentioned cases of political opponents being killed or missing, without any resolution.
One notable example cited was the burning of Mrs. Salome Abuh and the mysterious disappearance of the PDP Party Chairman of Okene, both tragic events that have not been conclusively addressed.
Commending the EFCC for prosecuting the former governor, the Confluence Patriots urged the agency to remain impartial amidst political pressures and media scrutiny, citing the widespread corruption in Kogi State.
They emphasized that corruption poses a significant barrier to Nigeria’s development, impeding economic progress and undermining public trust in institutions.