By Dayo Johnson, Regional Editor, South West; Demola Akinyemi; Peter Duru; Ndahi Marama; Boluwaji Obahopo; Adeola Badru; Idris Salisu & Golok Nanmwa
Following the reign of terror characterised by killings and abductions of residents by terrorists, many communities in the country have been deserted. Residents have fled their homes and are taking refuge in other communities and cities. The communities are now deserted while others are near empty as fear, killings and kidnappings disrupt rural life. What we now have are ghost settlements. Other communities are under the direct control of the terrorists who collect one form of levy or another from the natives. Fleeing residents are asking if they will ever come back to their ancestral homes. Those who are under the government of the terrorists are lamenting if they will ever be liberated.
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Kogi communities slide into silence
In Kogi state, hundreds of residents of Okunran community in Yagba West Local Government Area, have reportedly fled their homes after persistent attacks by armed terrorists. The once-bustling community was abandoned as kidnappings, killings and repeated ransom demands pushed families to safer areas.ý Residents also warned that neighbouring communities of Okoloke and Egbe were under similar pressure, with fears that more communities would be deserted if the attacks continue.
