By joshua Gov Ododo Brokers Peace in Odolu, Orders Crackdown on Criminal Elements
Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has assured residents of Egabada and Ekwuloko communities in the Odolu axis of Igalamela-Odolu Local Government Area that his administration will not surrender any part of the state to criminals.
Speaking during a peace and security visit to the affected communities, the Governor represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, condemned the recent killings in the area, describing them as a dastardly act. He sympathized with families who lost loved ones and assured them that justice would be served.
Recall that there have been growing concerns over the influx of migrant Fulani herders into Egabada, Akpatege and Ekwuloko communities in the Odolu axis of Igalamela-Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State. Residents have repeatedly alleged that some of the herders move about with sophisticated weapons, destroy farmlands, and engage in other criminal activities that have threatened the peace and security of the area.
The situation recently escalated following the killing of a young farmer, popularly known as Shehu, who was reportedly attacked and killed near his farm. This triggered unrest and calls for urgent government intervention.
It was against this backdrop that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo visited the affected communities to assess the security situation, sympathize with the bereaved families, and reassure residents of the government’s commitment to restoring peace and security in the area.
The Governor disclosed that additional security personnel have been approved for the area to strengthen security and protect lives and property. He urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information that will help identify and apprehend criminal elements.
According to him, no stranger can successfully fight or infiltrate a community without the support of collaborators from within. He therefore warned youths and residents against aiding criminals, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
Governor Ododo directed security agencies to immediately arrest anyone found carrying prohibited firearms, including AK-47 rifles, insisting that no individual should move about with weapons under the guise of cattle rearing. He reiterated that Kogi State remains peaceful and welcoming to all ethnic groups, but criminality will not be tolerated.
He also cautioned politicians against politicizing security issues and the loss of innocent lives for personal gains, warning that anyone found doing so would be sanctioned accordingly.
The Governor commended the youths of the affected communities for maintaining peace and promptly drawing the attention of government to the security challenges. He also praised the Nigeria Police Force and the Naval Outpost in Idah for their efforts in maintaining law and order.
As part of measures to restore peace, Governor Ododo directed the dissolution of the community leadership structure alleged to be linked to the crisis and ordered the constitution of a new one. He further directed the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force in Idah and the Naval Outpost to investigate all persons implicated in the allegations and prosecute those found culpable.
He cautioned traditional rulers to be careful about those they admit into their communities. He also advised new settlers to follow established legal procedures and engage constituted authorities before settling in any community.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Igalamela-Odolu Local Government Area, Hon. Barr. Cosmas Atabor, said insecurity is a major challenge in the area due to its vast expanse of arable land and closeness to neighbouring states. He alleged that some individuals and traditional rulers are behind the settlement of migrant herders in parts of the area without due process, leading to security concerns.
Atabor appealed for more government intervention and expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for his swift response to the crisis, including plans to strengthen security presence in the area.
Former Member representing Igalamela-Odolu State Constituency, Hon. Friday Sani Makama, thanked the Governor for his prompt intervention, which he said had helped calm tensions in the area. He called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of anyone involved in activities contributing to insecurity.
Community leaders, including Mr. Momoh Sani, the Onuh of Egabada, Chief Usman Ademu, the Onuh of Ekwuloko, Chief Simon Enechile, and Chief Isah Maha Usman, speaking on behalf of bereaved families, appealed to the state government to sustain efforts aimed at restoring peace and security. They also called for stronger security presence and decisive action against criminal elements operating in the forests and surrounding communities.
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba, urged residents to take ownership of the security of their communities by exposing criminal elements among them. She advised parents to properly guide their children and discourage them from engaging in criminal activities.
The visit is part of Governor Ododo’s ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace, strengthen security, and promote harmonious coexistence among all residents of Kogi State.