Stakeholders and residents of Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State have dismissed allegations linking the Bassa people with Fulani herdsmen allegedly responsible for recent attacks in parts of Dekina Local Government Area, warning that such narratives could threaten the fragile peace in the area.
The reaction followed a publication authored by one Umar Sani and titled “The Hidden Conspiracy Behind the Killings…”, which reportedly accused Bassa communities of collaborating with criminal elements behind the violence in Dekina.
In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, community advocate and “Speaker for the Voiceless,” David Alfred-Dogwo, described the allegations as “false, misleading and divisive,” insisting that the Bassa people had no involvement in the attacks or any conspiracy linked to insecurity in Kogi East.
According to him, attempts to associate Bassa communities with criminal activities without credible evidence could further inflame tensions among neighbouring ethnic groups that have coexisted peacefully for decades.
“We wish to categorically state that Bassa people are not involved in any conspiracy or collaboration with criminal elements responsible for attacks in Dekina or any other part of Kogi State,” the statement read.
He noted that Bassa and Igala communities share long-standing historical and social ties, stressing that efforts aimed at creating suspicion and hostility between the two groups should be discouraged in the interest of peace and stability.
The statement further maintained that the security challenges confronting communities in Kogi East and other parts of the state require collective action, responsible leadership and collaboration with security agencies rather than the spread of inflammatory narratives.
Alfred-Dogwo called on opinion leaders, media commentators and community stakeholders to exercise caution in their public utterances and avoid statements capable of inciting communal discord.
He also urged relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the recurring attacks in affected communities and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
“The allegations contained in the said publication are capable of worsening already fragile inter-community relations. What is needed at this time is restraint, responsible communication and genuine commitment to peace,” he stated.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Bassa people to peaceful coexistence, the group stressed that the local government should not be made a scapegoat for the broader security challenges facing the region.
The statement added that residents of the area remain committed to supporting all lawful efforts aimed at restoring peace, safeguarding lives and protecting property across Kogi State.
