By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has drawn a hard line against residents colluding with bandits, warning that anyone aiding the criminals will face the same fate as the gunmen terrorizing local communities.
State Security Adviser Jerry Omodara issued the warning on Monday at the palace of the Elegbe of Egbe while briefing community leaders on intensified security operations in Kogi West.
According to Omodara, intelligence reports revealed disturbing trends: Okun youths allegedly ferrying weapons and food on motorcycles to bandit hideouts, and traders secretly supplying the gangs while feeding them crucial information. Seven suspects are already on the state’s watchlist.
“Regrettably, the bandits are now working with indigenes of Okunland,” he said. “Some of our women sell them soft drinks, bread, and foodstuffs, while others tip them off about community movements. In Yagba West, some residents even pay them protection money. Enough is enough—these collaborators will be exposed and treated as terrorists.”
Omodara lamented reports of Okun women allegedly forming relationships with the criminals and criticized locals for abandoning farming to outsiders.
“Imagine Okun women becoming girlfriends to bandits,” he said. “It is shameful that Fulani herders now farm okro, pepper, and maize for us. This must stop.”
The adviser stressed that security forces had already neutralized several bandit leaders and would continue to pursue the gangs relentlessly.
“We will not sleep until they are wiped out,” he vowed. “We will make Kogi communities safe again so our farmers can return to their lands and our people can sleep with both eyes closed.”
He urged Okun residents to reclaim their agricultural heritage, noting that the government had invested heavily in farm inputs and support programs.
“This is the time for Okun people to take their destiny into their hands,” he said. “Leverage agriculture, work your land, and improve your standard of living instead of aiding criminals.”
The warning underscores growing concern over banditry and internal complicity, which security experts say has fueled recent abductions and attacks in Kogi West.