By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
KOGI State House of Assembly has commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his proactive and people-centred approach to peace and security management and the well laid security architecture in the state.
The commendation was contained in a resolution of the House following the adoption of a motion of Urgent Public Importance moved by Member representing Igalamela/Odolu Constituency, Hon. Major Enefola at plenary in Lokoja.
Hon. Enefola lauded the Governor’s leadership prowess in reinforcing and modernizing the state’s security framework since assuming office in January 2024.
The Lawmaker, emphasized that “security remains the foundation upon which every society stands,” commending the Governor’s deliberate and sustained investment in security infrastructure, logistics, and manpower motivation.
He noted that Governor Ododo’s administration has provided modern security equipment, financial support for operatives, and repositioned the Kogi State Security Trust Fund to ensure sustainable support for security operations across all agencies in the state.
The measures, according to him, have strengthened community-based intelligence gathering and enhanced collaboration between the Kogi Vigilante Service and formal security agencies.
He described the launch of “Operation Hell Fire” in February, 2024, as a landmark initiative adding that the multi-agency operation involving the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has recorded significant successes.
According to him, the dismantling of criminal hideouts, rescue of kidnap victims, and arrest of several suspects, especially in Budon District of Lokoja II State Constituency are no mean achievements.
He also commended the Governor’s prompt response to cattle rustling incidents in the Eastern Senatorial District, leading to the recovery of hundreds of rustled cattle and the restoration of peace between agrarian and herder communities in Dekina, Omala, and adjoining areas.
Enefola highlighted the Governor’s hands-on leadership style, recalling his unscheduled visits to Agojeju-Odo in Omala LGA and Yagba West, alongside heads of security agencies where he personally assessed security situations, commiserated with victims, and directed immediate interventions.
The motion further recognized the Governor’s forward-looking security plans, including the deployment of surveillance drones, digital communication systems, and CCTV installations.
The measure, he said, aimed to enhance intelligence gathering, border monitoring, and rapid response capacity, particularly along Kogi’s boundary lines with Nasarawa, Benue, Edo, Ondo, and Ekiti States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The motion was seconded by Akus Lawal (APC-Ankpa 1) and supported by Umar Yahaya (APC-Omala) who submitted that the security situation in the state was dire against the backdrop of having borders with about eight states and the FCT aside serving as gateway to the Southern and Northern parts of the country.
They argued that rather than wait for the hoodlums to “bring the war to our doorsteps, we should take the war to them in their hideouts and make the state too hot for them to operate.”
In his ruling, the House Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, commended Hon. Major Enefola for the motion and commended the Governor for sustaining and improving upon the security legacy in the state.
The Speaker adopted the motion following overwhelming voice votes in its favour as he noted that security under Governor Ododo has taken a new and coordinated dimension, anchored on collaboration, technology, and community involvement. (Ends)