HUNDREDS of women on Saturday staged a peaceful protest in Aiyetoro-Gbede, Ijumu Local Government of Kogi, over the reported attempt to kill Sen Dino Melaye, on April 15.
It was reported that 10 gunmen stormed the senator’s house at Aiyetoro-Gbede, in the early hours of the said date, and opened fire from various directions.
The women, who were armed with placards and leaves, marched through the street leading to the senator’s house, before assembling at a nearby spot where their leaders delivered speeches.
The protesters, from the seven local government that make up Melaye’s Kogi West Senatorial District, carried placards some of which “Touch Dino and face our wrath”, “Don’t kill Dino Melaye” and “Don’t kill the light, let it shine”.
Mrs. Ikusemoro Jalo, one of the speakers, said that the solidarity protest was to affirm their support for the senator and condemn the recent attempt on his life.
“We are mothers; we don’t want him to be murdered. He is representing us the way we want. We are proud of him because he has made us proud,” Jalo said.
She advised the senator not to be cowed by the recent attempt on his life, urging him to continue to fight for the rights of women, workers, pensioners, the oppressed and the repressed.
The senator promised to sustain his fight against injustice and delays in the payment of salaries, and declared that attacks and intimidation would not deter him.
“God will not forgive me if I keep quiet while my people suffer,” the senator declared.
