…Assures Kogites of safety, stronger security measures
Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State, has strongly condemned the recent bandits’ attack on Egbe community in Yagba West Local Government Area, describing it as a brutal attack on the peace and humanity of Kogi State.
Represented by his deputy, Joel Salifu, the Governor said the state mourns the loss of gallant officers of the Nigeria Police Force and members of the Vigilante Service who paid the supreme price while defending the people.
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According to a press statement signed by Unubi Emmanuel, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, while speaking during his condolence visit to the Egbe community on Saturday, said “Their blood will not be shed in vain. We will not rest until those behind this heinous crime are tracked down, apprehended, and brought to justice”.
He assured that his administration will intensify collaboration with security agencies, improve community policing, and provide more support and resources to local vigilantes to secure every part of the state.
To the bereaved families, Governor Ododo extended heartfelt condolences, pledging that the government will stand by them and ensure the dependents of the fallen heroes are not abandoned. And commended the swift response of security agencies and local vigilantes to security threats, as he urged residents not to succumb to fear but to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report suspicious activities. He also warned against harbouring criminals or aiding their operations in any form.
“Together, we will overcome. Together, we will send a clear message that Kogi State cannot be broken,” Governor Ododo affirmed.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes, comfort for their families, and lasting peace across the state.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Tosin Olokun, the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, appreciated the Governor for visiting to assess the extent of the pain inflicted on the community and to commiserate with them, noting that only a caring government would stand with its people at such a time.
Also speaking, Jerry Omodara, the State Security Adviser, highlighted the strides of the state government in strengthening security in border communities, stressing that the government will not allow Egbe to be overrun by criminals, insisting that residents must be able to live in peace and farm without fear.
He revealed that most bandits terrorising flashpoints in the state are fleeing from neighbouring states, adding that the government has identified their hideouts. With the support of the Federal Government and the National Security Adviser, he noted, the criminals are being intercepted and neutralised.
Omodara equally disclosed plans to establish a Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Egbe to address insecurity in the area, while warning local collaborators and saboteurs that the government will deal with them decisively.
In his remarks, Ayodele Irukera, the Elegbe of Egbe, appealed for more security presence, stressing that as a border community, Egbe is highly vulnerable to attacks.
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He apologised for the recent road blockade staged by youths, describing it as a reaction to the insecurity in the area. “It is inhuman for five people to be killed in just one day,” he said, calling for urgent measures to strengthen security in the community.
A youth representative, Olugbenga David, urged the government to carry young people along in its security strategies and called for the deployment of more personnel, including trained forest guards, to the area.
Accompanying the Deputy Governor on the visit were the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hilary Ojoma Egwudah; the State Security Adviser, Rtd Commander Jerry Omodara; and the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management. Engr Joseph Oluwaseun, the State Coordinator of the AGILE Project, Abdullahi Tijani Oricha, the Chairman of Olamaboro Local Government Area, and Williams Ikojo Ameh, among others.
