Governor Ahmed Ododo has vowed that Kogi state will not bow to bandits and other criminals.
Speaking after an emergency security stakeholders meeting in Lokoja on Thursday, Governor Ododo confirmed that security operatives have tracked major bandits commanders to locations within the state in the last three days.
The meeting was convened amid rising public anxiety over reports of bandits presence in parts of the state.
He promised that the state government will not wait for the bandits to attack but will take the fight to them.
“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.
He emphasized that the measure was taken in the interest of all residents, regardless of religious or political affiliation.
The Governor confirmed that security operatives have tracked major bandits and commanders to locations within the state in the last three days, assuring that the State will take the fight to criminal elements rather than wait for attacks.
He noted that security threats are a global challenge and urged residents to stay vigilant.
Governor Ododo reassured the people that the present administration is working in synergy with the traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, and youth to tackle insecurity in the state.
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.
Governor Ododo also urged mining and high-value companies to donate two Hilux vehicles each to the State Security Trust Fund within three months.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his proactive leadership in the recent rescue of kidnapped students and church members, saying the Federal Government has shown commitment to tackling insecurity nationwide.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Ayo Edun, called for calm, insisting that many of the circulating reports fueling panic were social media rumours.
He urged residents to verify information before sharing it and report suspicious activity through circulated security hotlines.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Highness Tijani Anaje, speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, pledged full cooperation with government and security agencies.
He expressed concern over wrong and misleading information spreading online, noting that some videos and messages circulating on social media were false.
He called for strategic collaboration among all community leaders to ensure peace across the state.
The Kogi State Government is expected to roll out additional security measures in the coming days as efforts continue to maintain calm and safeguard residents.
