By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
GOVERNOR Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, has strongly condemned the recent bandits’ attack on Egbe community in Yagba West Local Government Area, describing it as a brutal attack on the peace and humanity of Kogi State.
Governor Ododo who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, expressed this while on a condolence visit to Egbe community and families of the bereaved where he assured the people of the state’s commitment to their safety.
He said that the state mourns the loss of the three gallant officers of the Nigeria Police Force and two members of the Vigilante Service who paid the supreme price while defending the people.
“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 said.
He assured that the state would intensify collaboration with security agencies and provide more support to local vigilantes.
The Governor commended the swift response of security agencies and local vigilantes to security threats and urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with the agencies.
He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, pledging that the government would stand by them and ensure the dependants of the fallen heroes are not abandoned.
He also warned the people against harboring criminals or aiding their operations in any form saying, “Together, we will overcome. Together, we will send a clear message that Kogi State cannot be broken.”
In his remarks, the State Security Adviser, Rtd Cmdr Jerry Omodara, highlighted the strides of the state government in strengthening security in border communities and revealed plans to establish a Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Egbe to address insecurity in the area.
Omodara revealed that most bandits terrorizing flashpoints in the state were those fleeing from neighboring states, adding with the support of the Federal Government and the National Security Adviser, the criminals are being intercepted and neutralized.
The Elegbe of Egbe, Oba Ayodele Irukera, used the occasion to appeal to the state government for more security presence, stressing that as a border community, Egbe is highly vulnerable to attacks.
“It is inhuman for five people to be killed in just one day,” Oba Irukera lamented as he called for urgent measures to strengthen security in the community. (Ends)