Ododo vows action over ‘relocation’ of bandit commanders to Kogi

By Richard Elesho/Kogi

Amidst rising insecurity across the country, the governor of Kogi State Ahmed Usman Ododo has raised an alarm over relocation of bandit commanders to the state and vowed that his administration will never bow to criminals and their activities.

He made this known after an emergency security stakeholders meeting in Lokoja on Thursday, explaining that security operatives have tracked the said terrorists to locations within the state in the last three days.

“We are not going to bow to any criminals and we are not going to negotiate with them,” he vowed.

He directed all social, religious, and community activities to end at four o’clock in the afternoon daily, explaining that the measure was taken in the interest of all residents, regardless of religious or political affiliation.

He noted that security threats are a global challenge and urged residents to stay vigilant. He said his administration is collaborating with traditional institutions and sectors of the society to tackle insecurity.

Citing the security risks around unregulated mining, he ordered a comprehensive profiling of all mining activities in the state – owners, locations, workers, output, and existing security arrangements. He directed Local Government Chairmen to submit complete lists of mining sites and companies within one week.

Ododo also urged mining and high-value companies to donate two Hilux vehicles each to the State Security Trust Fund within three months.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Ayo Edun called for calm, insisting that many of the circulating reports fueling panic were social media rumours.

The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Highness Tijani Anaje, speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, warned against false and unverified information which he noted give rise to panic and pledged full cooperation with government and security agencies.

This medium reports that there have been rumours of alleged security breaches causing panic across the state in the last few days. This Thursday an unconfirmed rumour of terrorists attacks in the state capital forced schools to close early even as people scampered for safety.