August 1, 2026
ABUJA, Nigeria — Two civil society organisations have called for an independent investigation into the administration of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, accusing him of presiding over years of insecurity, political violence and unresolved killings during his eight-year tenure.
The groups, Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA) and African Transparent Initiatives (ATI), made the demand in a joint statement issued on Saturday, following reports that the former governor recently commended the Federal Government’s efforts on national security during a meeting with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The organisations argued that Bello lacks the moral authority to speak on security issues, alleging that Kogi State witnessed widespread kidnappings, communal clashes and violent attacks under his administration.
According to the statement, the former governor’s tenure was marked by allegations of insecurity, political intimidation and a failure to ensure justice for victims of violent crimes across the state.
CODWA and ATI also referenced the 2019 killing of PDP Women Leader, Salome Abuh, who was set ablaze in her home after the Kogi governorship election. The groups described the incident as one of the darkest moments in the state’s history, insisting that justice for the victim remains unresolved.
The organisations further alleged that armed groups operated with impunity during Bello’s administration, claiming that violence became a tool for political control in parts of the state.
They also revisited the 2021 visit of Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi to Kogi State, alleging that insecurity escalated in Kogi West Senatorial District afterwards. Additionally, they criticised alleged directives encouraging Fulani groups to settle in parts of the state, saying the actions heightened tensions and weakened traditional institutions.
The groups maintained that Kogi State continues to struggle with the effects of insecurity and political violence, insisting that victims and affected communities deserve justice rather than attempts to rewrite the state’s recent history.
They called on the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant authorities to launch a public investigation into allegations of politically motivated violence and unresolved killings during Bello’s administration.
As of the time of filing this report, Yahaya Bello has not publicly responded to the latest allegations contained in the statement.
Reporting by SUNTV Global Channel.
