By Opeyemi Gbemiro
Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has reaffirmed his administration’s firm stance against criminality across the state, saying no territory will be surrendered.
He said bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements threatening peace would be confronted decisively by security agencies.
Ododo gave the assurance on Saturday in Lokoja while inspecting newly acquired Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other security assets.
He said protecting life and property remained his administration’s primary responsibility and a sacred covenant with the people.
“The day I took the oath of office was when I entered a covenant with our people,” Ododo said.
He added that security was a collective necessity and the foundation for sustainable development across the state.
“We will continue to hunt down criminal elements and wipe them out from our land,” he declared.
The governor said a recent security briefing with President Bola Tinubu renewed his determination to confront criminal groups.
He said he returned to Kogi with a clear mandate to restore and sustain peace.
Ododo noted that some communities later suffered attacks, but security operatives responded swiftly.
He attributed the response to proactive measures and coordinated security strategies implemented by the state.
The governor, who visited affected communities including Iluke, said he preferred firsthand information.
He said: “As a field worker, I do not wait for second-hand information.
“I visited the communities, assessed the terrain, and concluded we must act decisively.”
Ododo said the government had started deploying specialised security equipment to support security agencies.
He warned that criminals were becoming more sophisticated by using drones and coordinated operations.
“Bandits are changing tactics. They now use drones and organised groups. But we have studied their strategies and are responding effectively to eliminate them,” he said.
The governor said intelligence reports exposed attempts by criminal gangs to deceive local communities.
He commended vigilantes, hunters, the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, and other security agencies.
Ododo revealed that Kogi had ordered 50 armoured protective vehicles to strengthen operations.
He said the first batch had arrived and was already deployed across the state.
“No amount of resources is too much when saving lives. We are ready to invest whatever it takes to protect our people,” he said.
Ododo ruled out negotiations with criminals, insisting that ransom payments would not be considered.
“I will never negotiate with criminals. I will never pay ransom to bandits,” he declared.
He said funds meant for ransom would instead equip security agencies to defeat criminals.
The governor reiterated that his administration would reclaim every part of Kogi territory.
He assured residents that lasting peace and security remained his government’s priority. (NAN)