The Bajana of Obajana, HRH Engr. Isenibi Idowu and the Obaro of Oshokoshoko, HRH Engr. Idowu James Olorunshe, has commended President Bola Tinubu and Governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for the riding both communities’ forests of bandits.
In a joint statement on Thursday, the monarchs expressed gratitude to the state government for the remarkable improvement in the security condition of their communities.
They hailed the recent security operations that took the fight straight to the bandits’ hideouts, and expressed gladness that their communities are safer now.
Speaking about the sad experiences occasioned by activities of bandits, the monarchs said “It could be recalled that forest in these communities were used by bandits as their respective hideout where they carry out their nefarious activities of kidnapping innocent residents and travellers.
“Apart from kidnapping, some of our local hunters were killed while others sustained injuries following attacks on them by the deadly men of the underworld. While we pay glowing tributes to these gallant men who paid the ultimate price of death in the course of protecting our Communities from these miscreants, our condolences to their respective families and communities.
“The negative impact of the presence of bandits in our forest and their activities before now created fear in the minds of residents and created a bad image for us. especially the Oshokoshoko-Obajana axis in Lokoja Local Government Area.
“In January, the bandits in their numbers met the waterloo after they attempted to attack the Obajana Divisional Police Station but the attack was foiled with the arrest of the suspected criminal.
“The repelling of the attempted attack gladdened our heart and renewed our hope in the fact that we are truly in the safe hands of God, our Governor and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The traditional rulers said recently, the State Government through the help of the office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, Department of State Service, Vigilante and hunters, launched an operation that dealt a deadly blow to the criminals and their hideouts.
They said the bandits were displaced and are now under cashew trees, forest and under mango trees.
“They have now resorted into picking farmers in their farms but we know that the wrath of the law will catch up with them.
“This operation was not only successful, it has rekindled our hope in the fact that our nation and indeed the country have all that is needed to nip crimes and criminalities in the bud. We are pleased to say that, our communities are now safe as our people have been going about their normal business without fear.
“It is as a result of this that we applaud the Chief Servant of Kogi State, our amiable Governor and Promise Keeper for standing by his words that the ‘state will not negotiate with criminals’ by taking the fight to them in the bush. Indeed, security agencies used both air and land apparatus to chase the bandits out of our land as they truly felt the heat that Kogi is not a hiding place for criminals.
“On behalf of the people of Obajana, and Oshokoshoko Communities, we extend our unreserved appreciation to Governor Ododo for saving us from these miscreants that have hindered our farmers from going to farm for years. We now believe that your emergence as Kogi Governor was inspired by God to safe our people and the State at this critical moment especially in the area of tackling insecurity.
“Also, many thanks to our dogged and pragmatic President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for providing the needed support for our Governor to eliminate the criminals from the state, especially our forests.
“Our appreciation also goes to our workaholic Kogi State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), who through sleepless night ensured that peace is restored to our Communities. Similarly, we appreciate the State Commissioner of Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo and the Executive Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area Hon. Abdullahi Adamu for their frantic effort on security matters in Obajana Oshokoshoko Communities.
“All communities around the Dangote Cement Factory and Mines and the traditional rulers are delighted that our security agencies and government came to our rescue,” they said.
The monarchs prayed that God will continue to strengthen security agencies, hunters and vigilante groups to do more for improved safety of lives and property.
They also appealed to the state and federal governments to consider their communities for more infrastructure, appointment and good governance.
