Emmanuel lkpeama
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has visited Isanlu-Esa in Yagba West Local Government Area, pledging to defeat criminality in the state.
The visit followed recent kidnappings and killings in the area, which have heightened tension among residents in Yagba West Local Government Area.
Ododo commended the security agencies for their efforts and sympathized with families who lost loved ones.
“Let me thank you for your efforts at ensuring security in this area. Your synergy has made your assignment easier, and I’m always ready to provide all necessary support to triumph over criminality,”
“I also want to commiserate with families and communities that have lost their loved ones. As your Governor, I share in your pains, and I’m determined to make criminality a thing of the past in this Local Government.
“I was elected to protect lives and property, and we will not relent until Kogi State is safe.”the Governor said
The Governor also paid tribute to the gallant officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, assuring their families that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
He assured that his administration would not relent until Kogi State is safe, emphasizing that he was elected to protect lives and property.
Governor Ododo also cautioned traditional rulers against indiscriminate land allocation to unknown individuals, stressing the need for proper profiling of individuals with mining licenses.
He reaffirmed the support of President Bola Tinubu in ensuring peace and security across the state and nation, commending the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Security Chiefs for effectively implementing the President’s policies toward a safer nation.
Earlier the Commander of the Nigerian Army in charge of the operation, Brigadier General K. U. Sidi, welcoming the Governor, commended the combined efforts of the security agencies, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Special Forces in combating criminality in the area.
Brig. Gen. Sidi expressed appreciation to the Governor for his sustained support to the security agencies, noting that the provision of logistics and other assistance had strengthened their capacity to secure the area.
He also acknowledged the “invaluable contributions” of the Hybrid Force from the Office of the National Security Adviser to the ongoing operation in Yagba West.
The traditional ruler of Isanlu-Esa, Oba Olufemi Ogunremi Theophilus, thanked the Governor for the visit and appealed for continued security presence in the area until criminal activities are eradicated.
He also called on the Federal Government to fix the road leading to the community to facilitate free movement and enhance security operations.
Investigator news reports that the Governor was accompanied on the visit by top government officials and heads of security agencies.
