From AMEDU JOSEPH, Lokoja
KOGI State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has strongly condemned the recent bandits’ attack on Egbe community in Yagba West Local Government Area with a vow to pursue justice for the fallen heroes.
“Their blood will not be shed in vain. We will not rest until those behind this heinous crime are tracked down, apprehended, and brought to justice,” the governor assured.
Speaking during his condolence visit to the Egbe community recently, the governor, represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, said the state mourned the loss of gallant officers of the Nigeria Police Force and members of the Vigilante Service who paid the supreme price while defending the people.
He assured that his administration would intensify collaboration with security agencies, improve community policing and provide more support and resources to local vigilantes to secure every part of the state.
To the bereaved families, Governor Ododo extended heartfelt condolences, pledging that government would stand by them and ensure the dependents of the fallen heroes are not abandoned.
He commended the swift response of security agencies and local vigilantes to security threats.
He urged residents not to succumb to fear but to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious activities.
The governor also warned against harbouring criminals or aiding their operations in any form.
“Together, we will overcome. Together, we will send a clear message that Kogi State cannot be broken,” Governor Ododo affirmed.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes, comfort for their families and lasting peace across the state.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Tosin Olokun, appreciated the governor for visiting to assess the extent of the pain inflicted on the people of the community and to commiserate with them, noting that only a caring government would stand with its people at such a time.
Also speaking, the State Security Adviser, Rtd Commander Jerry Omodara, highlighted the strides of the state government in strengthening security in border communities.
He assured that the state government would not allow Egbe to be overrun by criminals, insisting that residents must be able to live in peace and farm without fear.
He revealed that most bandits terrorising flashpoints in the state were fleeing from neighbouring states, adding that the government had identified their hideouts, noting that with the support of the Federal Government and the National Security Adviser, the criminals were being intercepted and neutralised.
Omodara f u rther disclosed plans to establish a Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Egbe to address insecurity in the area, while warning local collaborators and saboteurs that government would deal with them decisively.
In his remarks, Oba Ayodele Irukera, the Elegbe of Egbe, appealed for more security presence, stressing that as a border community, Egbe was highly vulnerable to attacks.
He apologised for the recent road blockade staged by youth, describing it as a reaction to the insecurity in the area.
“It is inhuman for five people to be killed in just one day,” he said, calling for urgent measures to strengthen security in the community.
A youth representative, Engr Olugbenga David, urged the government to carry young people along in its security strategies, and called for the deployment of more personnel, including trained forest guards, to the area.