Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has condemned last Wednesday’s 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.
Speaking during his condolence visit to the Egbe community on Saturday, the Governor, represented by his Deputy, Joel Salifu, said the state also 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.
“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,” the Governor said.
On the entourage of the Deputy Governor were the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hilary Ojoma Egwudah; the State Security Adviser, Rtd Commander Jerry Omodara; 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, Williams Ikojo Ameh, among others.
The Governor 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.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, pledging that government will stand by them and ensure the dependants of the fallen heroes are not abandoned.
He commended the swift response of security agencies and local vigilantes to security threats.
Governor Ododo 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.
The Governor concluded with prayers 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, the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Tosin Olokun, 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, the State Security Adviser, Rtd Commander Jerry Omodara, highlighted the strides of the state government in strengthening security in border communities. He stressed 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 terrorizing flashpoints in the state are fleeing from neighboring states, adding that the government has identified their hideouts.
He noted that criminals are being intercepted and decimated with the support of the Federal Government and that of the National Security Adviser.
Omodara further disclosed plans to establish a Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Egbe to address insecurity in the area, while warning local collaborators and saboteurs that government will deal with them decisively.
In his remarks, His Royal Highness, Oba Ayodele Irukera, the Elegbe of Egbe, appealed for more security presence, stressing that as a border community, Egbe is highly vulnerable to attacks.
He apologized 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, Engr. 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.
