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There is a general acceptance of the fact that the security of lives and property is cardinal to the success of government anywhere in the world. It is the foundation upon which sustainable development is built. Therefore, for any government to succeed, it must take the issue of security seriously and tackle it headlong.
It goes without saying that the collective investment of the administration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello in the security architecture of Kogi State and the efforts of security agencies had resulted in peaceful atmosphere for residents and visitors of the state.
In the early days of this administration, we were faced with multifaceted security challenges which almost brought the state to its knees. Incessant armed robbery activities, kidnapping, thuggery, violent cult activities went on unabated. Residents lived in perpetual fear because it was certain that men of the underworld would strike, the prayer then was let it not be my turn yet. The highways were also not left out. Armed rubbers and kidnappers operated freely even in broad daylight. Travelers who plied the Abaji – Lokoja Road, Okene – Auchi Road and the Ajaokuta – Otukpo Road, or the Ajegwu – Idah – Ibaji axis were all in constant fear of being robbed, kidnapped, or even killed.
Being a connecting state to the FCT, and with a very weak security architecture, members of the Boko Haram sect found it a conducive haven to nest, with camps dotted in different parts of the state from where they strategized and launched attacks. The State provided the dreaded terrorist group a sleeper cell, bombs were manufactured in the State and naturally, residents were terrorized. All the way to their places of worship.
It was that bad.
Incidents of bank robbery in the state became so commonplace news of it gradually began to lose its alarm. Bankers went to work under the bondage of fear, security operatives attached to banks were killed at will. The fear of daredevil robbers seized the land and reigned supreme.
Despite the scores of relentless distractions faced by this government, one thing remained tops among the sentiments of His Exceplency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello as Governor of Kogi State: the security of lives and property of the people. It was non negotiable and no distraction was strong enough to make him lose focus. He vowed to remove criminal elements from the state and make Kogi State safe and conducive for all. He did not leave it at mere words, he backed his vow with actions, deploying a multidimensional approach.
Governor Bello swung into action by strengthening and improving the weak security architecture in the state; he formed a working synergy amongst all security agencies and approved the establishment of a professional vigilante service to carry out the local community policing. The essence of community policing is to utilize knowledge of local terrains to bridge the gap which existed in the past as a result of inability of conventional security to scour the length and breadth of communities where criminals had their hideouts.
The security gears and operational vehicles secured by the state government for the security agencies served as morale boosters and in several joint operations, criminal hideouts were sacked, kidnappers den were invaded.
As part of the dimensions employed to tackle insecurity is the clearing of bush along the highway for up to 600 meters from the road. This is to ensure that drivers were able to see farther distance and that criminals could not hide behind bushes close to the road. This move has been hailed by many as novel and effective.
A State which seemed to be a safe heaven has suddenly become a living hell, there was no breathing space anywhere for the criminals. A new sheriff is in town and the city is being sanitized. Operation Total Freedom is the task. Criminals got the message.
Two years into the administration, the momentum has not dropped. Kogi has become one of the safest states in Nigeria. Travelers now ply our roads with confidence, residents sleep with their two eyes closed, confident that the chief security officer is up and doing. Thuggery is no longer fashionable. Hospitality business has received a boast as people are no longer eager to leave Kogi. Businesses operate freely even into the dead of the night.
Governor Bello has evolved a Kogi State which is standing true to its name; the Confluence State – a confluence of rivers, a confluence of people and a confluence of opportunities.
A critical review of the achievements of Governor Yahaya Bello in the area of security will show a strong pursuit of excellence and the determination to transform Kogi State to the safest state in Nigeria for both residents, visitors and businesses owners.
The testimonies are everywhere. Criminals are leaving the state in droves, even those who dared to pass through the state don’t make it out. It is business unusual, Kogi has become a nemesis to criminals and criminal elements.
Kogites are happy with this feat, visitors are impressed, travelers can’t help but marvel.
Security of lives and properties is a core sentiment of the New Direction Government, it is a very big deal and we will not engage the reverse gear until we achieve Total Freedom.
– Petra Akinti Onyegbule is Chief Press Secretary.
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