The Kogi East Christian Elders Forum Association (KECEFA) has raised serious concerns regarding ongoing security challenges, widespread poverty, severe unemployment, and the integrity of local government elections in the Kogi State region, which they argue have been reduced to mere formalities rather than true democratic exercises.
Following its 2026 Annual National Prayer Congress held from November 2 to 3 in Anyigba, the religious body released a detailed communiqué outlining its resolutions. The event, anchored on the theme 'That They May Be One' from John 17:21, brought together various stakeholders, including religious leaders, traditional rulers, political figures, and a former deputy governor of the state.
What did the elders say about the local government elections?
The association strongly criticized the recent council polls conducted across the zone, stating that the outcomes failed to mirror the genuine choices of the electorate. According to the elders, political actors merely handpicked candidates instead of allowing a transparent electoral process based on merit, competence, and public service.
In response to these governance and electoral challenges, KECEFA revealed plans to ramp up voter education and mobilization efforts across Kogi East ahead of the 2027 general elections, encouraging citizens to actively participate and elect leaders of their own choosing.
How is the security situation being addressed?
Addressing the security climate across the nine local government areas constituting Kogi East, the forum urged Christians to treat localized attacks and killings as shared burdens rather than leaving impacted communities isolated.
While recognizing a noticeable decline in kidnapping incidents along the Ankpa-Anyigba corridor and other parts of the zone, the elders expressed deep worry over continuing violence in the Agbenema community situated within the Omala Local Government Area, demanding more robust protection of lives and property.
Furthermore, the group commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for bolstering security arrangements in the state, specifically highlighting the ongoing plans to establish military barracks across Kogi East and Kogi West.
What other issues were raised at the congress?
Beyond security and politics, the forum advocated a collaborative framework to combat poverty, joblessness, and the mass exodus of young people migrating out of the area in search of greener pastures.
The communiqué also cautioned Igala traditional institutions against conferring traditional titles on individuals of Fulani descent within their domains, asserting that such practices should be halted to safeguard the distinct cultural identity and heritage of the Igala people.
Prominent figures graced the spiritual gathering, including goodwill messages from Christian Association of Nigeria President, Most Rev. Dr. Daniel Okoh, and Middle Belt Forum President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu. The keynote speech was presented by Rev. Dr. Yunusa Sabo Nmadu, CEO of Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria, who stressed that unity remains a vital survival tool for the region.
Closing the event, KECEFA National President Pastor Joseph Egwuda emphasized that the association exists to keep the Christian community vigilant regarding socio-political developments in the state, while Pastor Tokumbo Salami was elected as the new Assistant National Secretary.