***Reveals sponsors of Agojeju-Odo mayhem have been arrested
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has charged Muslims in the State to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, perseverance and charity among other lessons learnt from the holy month of Ramadan in order to gain Allah’s favour.
Governor Ododo made the call while speaking with newsmen in his country home, Okene, on Wednesday shortly after observing Eid prayer to commemorate the end of the spiritual exercise of the Ramadan fasting.
He said the month of Ramadan was not only a period of abstinence from food and drinks, but a season for divine encounter, availing every Muslim, special opportunity to seek Allah’s forgiveness and favour.
“The month of Ramadan is a period that teaches us patience, empathy, love and understanding within and among our people.
“As we mark the end of the holy month, I am urging each and everyone of us to carry forward the lessons we learnt during the fasting period.
“Let us continue to practice kindness, generosity and love in our daily lives.
“This month of Ramadan is a month that teaches us to always remember the less privileged so that we can extend hands of fellowship to those who are in need”, Governor Ododo explained.
The Governor therefore charged the people of the State to love one another and speak with one voice and support the administration to enable government at all levels deliver the desired dividends of democracy to them.
Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his sincere and purposeful leadership, assuring that Kogi State and its people would continue to support the administration to succeed.
The Governor, who seized the opportunity to speak on the recent attack on Agojeju-Odo community in Omala Local Government Area, revealed that sponsors of the mayhem have been arrested.
He said that the attack which claimed dozens of innocent lives of citizens was one too many and promised that the law would take its course with a view to restoring permanent peace to the communities.
The Governor said: “The crisis in Bagana in Omala Local Government did not start today. It has been in existence for over 45 years precisely from 1978. We are doing our best to make sure peace is restored within the Local Government Area.
“Already the suspected sponsors of the crisis have been arrested, investigation are ongoing. They are giving us useful information that will lead to the arrest of other suspects that are involved.
“As soon as we are done with that investigation, the report will be made known to the public and I am assuring that we will put an end to the senseless killings in the communities.”
Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam of Ebiraland, Sheikh Salihu Abere, enjoined the Muslim Faithfuls to redouble their efforts in the teaching and practice of Islam. (Ends)