Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has said that the rising insecurity in the North Central region, particularly in Kogi State, is a result of the infiltration of terrorists in the State owing to the ongoing Military operations in the North-East and North-West regions of Nigeria.
Governor Ododo stated this on Friday after a Consultation Meeting with the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee in Abuja.
The governor hinted that operatives of the Nigerian Military had been intensifying efforts to fight terrorism in the Northern parts of the country, especially with recent airstrikes targeting insurgent groups.
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He disclosed that some terrorists had escaped from theatres of military actions, prompting them to move to North Central States like Kogi.
When asked about the security challenges in Kogi State, Governor Ododo described the attackers as criminals taking refuge in forests, saying many of those responsible for attacks in Kogi State had been eliminated.
The governor assured the public that the Government is firmly committed to protecting the people and their properties. He also noted that the Government prefers to handle security issues quietly, but confirmed that security forces are effectively responding to threats.
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Governor Ododo expressed confidence that Kogi State remains under control, adding that measures are ongoing to safeguard citizens’ lives and livelihoods.
The governor’s statement came on the heels of a recent visit by President Bola Tinubu to Benue State to console victims of recent violent attacks in the region, showing broader concern about security in North-Central, Nigeria.
