Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, on Thursday, distributed security gadgets to 1,050 hunters, in an effort to curb crimes and criminalities in the state.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ododo expressed his administration’s commitment to deal decisively with anyone who intends to disturb the people of Kogi State.
The Governor disclosed that Kogi State will never be a breeding ground for criminals, stressing that all hands must be on deck to wipe out those who are enemies of the state.
“We are all Kogites, we must protect ourselves. Kogi is not a free trade zone for criminals; you have government’s backing to protect the land, when you see them, deal with them decisively.
“We are not new in this game; criminals must be wiped out of our land.
“We are good people and God knows why he created us as a people, Kogi State is blessed with numerous mineral deposits if you want to trade with us, we are ready to trade with you.
“But if you are coming with criminal mind, we are ever ready to fish you out and deal with you decisively,” Ododo said.
The governor stressed that the security of lives and property, remained his number one responsibility to the great people of Kogi State.
He added: “Our resolve to evolve a grassroots-led security approach and engage our hunters was amplified by their courageous and professional conduct during our rescue efforts that led to the release of 29 of the 31 kidnapped students from CUSTECH.
“Our faith in the people-led security approach as a new strategy is a clear manifestation of our determination to recalibrate our security architecture.
“As desperate and determined as we are to ensure security, it is also in line with our commitment to lawful approach and due process that we forwarded a request to the Kogi State House of Assembly.”
Earlier in his address, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Bertrand Onuoha, disclosed that the items distributed are to assist conventional security agents in the state to combat insecurities.
While expressing appreciation to the Governor for his foresight in securing lives and properties, the Commissioner said “All of us know the topography of Kogi State which poses security challenges. All this we are seeing is in line with the Inspector General of Police on community policing.
“If all these security agencies are established without synergy, much will not be achieved. I’m using this medium to call for the integration of all security agencies in the state. I have directed Area Commanders to always make use of vigilantes and hunters. When we harmonise, our services will be more interesting.”
Onuoha advised members of the hunters’ association and vigilantes to always work in synergy with other security to nip in the bud criminal elements from Kogi State.
He urged them to always put in their best in protecting law-abiding citizens in the state.
