Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has shed light on the security challenges facing his state, attributing some of the issues to criminals fleeing military operations in Nigeria’s troubled Northeast and Northwest regions. During a visit to the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja, Governor Ododo explained that Kogi’s strategic location, bordering 10 states including the Federal Capital Territory, makes it susceptible to infiltration by criminal elements.
According to Governor Ododo, the state is taking decisive action against these criminals, dealing with them effectively without seeking to draw attention to their efforts. He emphasized that any criminal attempting to find refuge in Kogi State will be met with swift action, stating, “Kogi State is not a fertile land or a free destination for criminals. We are dealing with them decisively. They are hearing it, we don’t make noise.” He further illustrated the state’s commitment to tackling crime by saying, “They always come in their numbers, but they go in their zeros. They will come with their handset ringing, but as soon as they step their leg in Kogi State, that number will never be available. We are dealing with them.”
The governor attributed the recent surge in criminals entering the state to the ongoing military operations in the Northeast and Northwest, which are pushing these elements into Kogi’s forests. He noted that only those with criminal intentions would opt to hide and live in such conditions. Furthermore, Governor Ododo highlighted the underutilization of Kogi State’s rich natural and agricultural resources as a contributing factor to the prevailing insecurity. He mentioned that despite having over 32 mineral deposits in commercial quantities and arable land suitable for various crops, these resources have not been effectively harnessed for the state’s benefit.
In a call to action, Governor Ododo urged Nigerians to collaborate with the government in addressing the country’s insecurity challenges. By working together, the state aims to not only combat crime but also to ensure that its vast resources are utilized to foster development and stability. This collaborative approach is seen as crucial in tackling the complex issues of crime and resource underutilization, ultimately contributing to a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.
