…Meets Security and Community Heads
The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, North Central Nigeria Comrade Joel Salifu, has convened a high-level security meeting under the directive of the State governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo . This followed renewed incidents of kidnapping along the Itobe-Anyigba corridor and other communities in Kogi East.
The meeting held at the residence of the Deputy Governor in Ejule on Sunday, brought together Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Kogi State, DCP Sadisu Umar Tafida, Commander 21 Army Battalion Ogidibeje, Lt Colonel Godiya Solomon Monday, Idah Area Commander Nigeria Police Force, Dekina Area Commander of the NSCDC, Ofu DSS, Community Watch, Neighbourhood watch, Vigilante heads, other heads of security agencies, Traditional rulers, and community representatives to deliberate on the rising security challenges and to strengthen coordinated response mechanisms.
A cross section of members of the communities at the meeting
Shortly before the closed door meeting, the Deputy Governor said that the meeting was convened on the Governor’s instruction to get firsthand information from communities along Itobe-Ajegwu-Olaidebu-Ojodu-Ochadamu-Anyigba axis, and address the security situation, stressing that the administration of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, places the highest priority on the safety and security of residents and commuters.
Comrade Joel Salifu further noted that he had to cut short an official overseas engagement upon receiving reports of the situation and returned immediately to coordinate response efforts.
He thanked the efforts of the security agencies and offered prayers for the repose of security personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, recently.
He specifically mentioned that the Itobe to Anyigba Road is ‘an area of concern’ to the present administration, stressing the need to identify the security gaps and find lasting solutions. And assured commuters that the government would not allow criminals takeover the road.
He called for stronger cooperation between communities and security agencies, particularly through timely and credible information that could assist security operatives in preventing attacks and apprehending criminals. While warning criminal elements raising their ugly head to run away now or be ready to face the full weight of the law.
Ealier in his remarks, the Chairman of Ofu Local Government Area, Hon. Mohammed Lawal Musa, said that security is everyone’s business, urging the people to cooperate by releasing relevant information to security agencies to help eliminate the criminal elements.
According to him, information at their disposal shows that the criminal activities are being carried out by foreigners aided by indigenes of the communities along the corridor. He warned the collaborators to desist or be ready to face the law. Lawal assured commuters of ongoing efforts by the state government to neutralized the elements and make the road safer for all.
The Itobe-Anyigba route is a major gateway to the South-East, as well as the major link between Kogi East and the State capital, Lokoja. Its security is critical, and the government of His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo remains committed to ensuring that residents and travellers can use the road safely without fear of criminal attacks. The strategic security meeting is expected to address the resurgence of kidnapping and insecurity along the corridor and restore commuters’ confidence
