By Adegboyega Segun
In an effort to eliminate insecurity and criminality out of Kogi State, the Executive Governor of the state, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo on Monday visited Isanlu Esa, Okoloke, Okunran, in Yagba West Local Government Area of the state.
The Governor, during the visit, banned illegal mining and vowed to eliminate criminality and banditry out of the state.
Governor Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his maximum support to see that criminality and banditry are eliminated completely from the state and the nation at large.
He also applauded the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for the release of the National assets to secure the lives and property of the people.
The Chief Servant praised the security Agencies for their dedication, commitment, bravery, selflessness and professionalism in ensuring that the lives and livelihood of people are secured, charging them to remain united for a common goal as the necessary supports needed would be given.
“Let me thank you for your efforts at ensuring security in this area. Your synergy has made your assignment easier, and I am always ready to provide all necessary support to triumph over criminality,” the Governor said.
Governor Ododo further described the issue of insecurity in Nigeria as an inherited challenge, noting that Mr. President in putting everything in place to profound a lasting solution.
He noted that the state had neglected the fertile land for farming as well as the mineral deposits in commercial quantities unexplored, assuring the citizenry his administration’s unwavering commitment towards the full exploration for transformative development.
He praised the bravery and gallantry of the heroes who had laid down their lives in the cause of the fight against the insecurity, sympathising with their families and friends over the loss and assured the family of full compensation to ease the burden on the family members they left behind.
“I also want to commiserate with families and communities that have lost their loved ones. As your Governor, I share in your pains, and I am determined to make criminality a thing of the past in this Local Government. I was elected to protect lives and property, and we will not relent until Kogi State is safe”, the emphasized.
Governor Ododo ordered the traditional rulers to stop giving out land to strangers for peanut and urged them to admonish the youths not to be used as agents by the criminals, stressing that anyone caught caught would be treated as criminals.
He charged the miners to obtain licence from the federal government and come to the state for profiling, stressing that anyone who disobeys the order would face the wrath of the law.
He also called on political office holders to shun politics of bitterness and join hands with them to fight against the insecurity in the land and stop using the youthd to protect mining sites.
In his welcome remarks, the Commander of the Nigerian Army in charge of the operation, Brigadier General K. U. Sidi commended the combined efforts of the security agencies, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and special forces in combating criminality in the area.
Brig. General Sidi expressed appreciation to the Governor for his sustained support to the security agencies, noting that the provision of logistics and other assistance had strengthened their capacity to secure the area. He also acknowledged the “invaluable contributions” of the Hybrid Force from the Office of the National Security Adviser for the ongoing operation in Yagba West.
The Royal Fathers of Isanlu Esa, HRH Oba Olufemi Ogunremi commended Governor Ododo and the security agencies for their efforts, stressing that their relentless efforts had made it possible for the residents to still remain within the community.
The Royal father appealed to the security agencies to maintain their presence in the area until criminal activities are completely eradicated.
He appealed to the Federal Government to fix the road leading to the community to facilitate free movement and enhance security operations. The Royal Father also appealed to government to establish a regional police headquarters in Isanlu Esa, being as one the links between the state and Kwara State as well as Niger State.
The Governor was accompanied on the visit by top government officials and heads of security agencies.
Adegboyega Segun,
Information Officer,
Ministry of information and communications
