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Maryam Abubakar Gulma.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to ending banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities in Kogi State, declaring that his government “will not bow to criminals.”
He vowed never to negotiate with or pay ransom to criminal elements.
The governor made the declaration on Friday while receiving members and stakeholders of the Okun Development Association (ODA) at the Government House, Lokoja.
Ododo commended the ODA leaders for their willingness to partner with the state government in tackling insecurity in Okun land and across the state, noting that retired military and security officers from Okunland are already working closely with the state to curb criminal activities.
According to the governor, investigations show that idleness among youths has contributed to rising criminality, making them vulnerable to recruitment by bandits, adding that Kogi’s abundant mineral resources have also attracted illegal miners, fueling insecurity in some parts of the state.
Earlier, Ambassador Akenson Rotimi, President-General of the Okun Development Association, described the security situation in Okunland as alarming and decried the increasing cases of kidnapping, banditry, and killings, noting that farmers can no longer access their farms due to fear of attacks.
Rotimi commended the recent breakthroughs recorded in Okun communities, including the recruitment of additional vigilante personnel to support conventional security operations, emphasizing that more interventions are urgently needed.
He called on the state government to establish a clear regulatory framework to safeguard the environment and ensure that extractive activities benefit host communities.
Rotimi further urged the government to empower community development associations (CDAs) in Okunland to enhance collaboration between conventional and non-conventional security systems.
Ododo disclosed that the ODA has established the Okun Security Trust Fund to support security efforts by providing equipment and logistics for security agencies.
He also expressed concern over the persistent invasion of farmlands by herders, which he said is having devastating economic impacts on the people.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
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