From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has drawn battle line with Bandits to protect the lives and property of innocent citizens across the state.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo who disclosed this on Monday when he visited security operatives safeguarding Isanlu-Esa and Okoloke border communities in Yagba West Local Government Area recently attacked by bandits, vowed that his administration would not rest in its oars until the battle is won
Governor Ododo who also expressed concern over the rising insecurity in Kogi West especially at the Kogi and Kwara state border communities, said that the state government on the directive of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu with the support of the National Security Adviser mobilized security operations comprising of Soldiers, DSS, Police, Civil Defence and Local Hunters to neutralize the Bandits attacks
“We are here today to condole with the families of victims of kidnappers, attacks on illegal mining and gallant officers who lost their lives in an effort to safe lives and property”
He described the frequent Bandits attacks in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State as very unfortunate and restated government commitment to continue to protect lives and property of citizens as provided in the constitution.
“Anybody caught aiding and baiting criminals will be treated as one irrespective of your status
“I have no doubt that our battle to rid the state of crimes and criminalities will soon be achieved
“All what government needs to succeed is people’s cooperation to be security conscious and giving useful information to our gallant officers that would assist them to trap criminals
“People should as well stop giving out land for mining activities illegally
“Any minner after getting government licence at Abuja should endeavour to come to Kogi State for profiling before entering our land to operate ”
Ododo appreciated the security operatives led by Brigadier-General Sidi Kasim of 12 Army Brigade for their bravery in the fight against criminal elements in the zone
“Our local hunters are also doing very well and deserved government’s commendation in the protection of lives and property of citizens” the Governor said
Earlier, Brigadier-General Sidi Kasim of 12 Army Brigade who led the security operatives extolled the local support and cooperation extended to the gallant officers since their operations that paved way for the success achieved.
“We are battle ready to flush out criminal elements in all the forests and hideout in the zone and grateful for the local intelligence information that had guided them for the success so far attained ”
The traditional ruler of Isanlu-Esa, Chief Olufemi Theophilus in his remark, hailed Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s giant efforts in tackling insecurity in his community and other parts of the state with a promise to continue to mobilize his subjects to complement government’s gesture.
He appealed to the state government and security chiefs to consider the establishment of Divisional Police Headquarters at Isanlu-Esa border community to reduce the challenge of insecurity bedeviling the area in recent times.
The Royal Father also called on the Governor to upgrade the community clinic to the status of a General Hospital.
