By Correspondent in Lokoja.
The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of his administration to securing every part of the state and ensuring that criminality is completely stamped out.
Speaking during his visit to Isanlu-Esa in Yagba West Local Government Area on Monday, Governor Ododo said his government would not relent in its efforts to protect lives and property, stressing that the safety of citizens remains his top priority.
“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.
“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.”
Governor Ododo commended the gallantry of the security agencies and paid tribute to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, assuring their families that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
He also cautioned traditional rulers against the indiscriminate allocation of land to unknown individuals, warning that henceforth, anyone with a mining licence must be properly profiled by the government and security agencies to prevent security breaches.
The Governor further reaffirmed the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu toward ensuring peace and security across Kogi State and Nigeria. He commended the National Security Adviser and the Security Chiefs for effectively implementing the President’s directives to build a safer nation.
Earlier, the Commander of the Nigerian Army in charge of the operation, Brigadier General K. U. Sidi, lauded 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. Gen. Sidi expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for his sustained support, noting that the provision of logistics and other assistance by the state government had significantly strengthened their operational capacity. He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Hybrid Force from the Office of the National Security Adviser to the ongoing operations in Yagba West.
The traditional ruler of Isanlu-Esa, His Royal Highness Oba Olufemi Ogunremi Theophilus, thanked the Governor for personally visiting the community, describing his visit as a mark of responsive and responsible leadership.
The royal father appealed to the security agencies to maintain their presence in the area until criminal activities are completely eradicated. He also called on the Federal Government to fix the road leading to the community to facilitate easy movement and enhance security operations.
The Governor was accompanied on the visit by top government officials and heads of security agencies, according to the statement signed by
Kingsley Femi Fanwo,Commissioner for Information and Communications on Monday and a copy available to The Reporters.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
