By Thompson Yamput
Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi says he will not bow to intimidation by criminals but will do all it takes to secure lives of residents and resources available in the state.
The governor made the pledge at a peace and security meeting held on Thursday at the Government House, Lokoja.
“My administration is taking firm, proactive steps to secure our land, our children, our schools, and our resources.”
He said that with the cooperation of all stakeholders, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, vigilantes, miners, youths, and residents , Kogi would remain strong, united, and secured.
He further announced a series of decisive security measures aimed at strengthening peace, protecting lives, and safeguarding the state’s resources during the peace and security meeting.
“We will strengthen intelligence operations, deploy better surveillance, improve access to vulnerable areas, and provide all necessary logistics for rapid security response.
“To protect our people and resources, we are conducting a full profiling of all mining activities to know who is mining, what, where, their workers, and their security arrangements.
“All Local Government Area Chairmen and the Ministry of Solid Minerals, must submit a list of all mining sites and companies within one week.
“They chairmen must be proactive by holding security meetings, support vigilante and submit mining-site data in their respective councils,” he said.
The governor also tasked traditional rulers to provide intelligence, monitor land use, engage the youth, and identify new entrants into their communities.
He urged religious leaders to promote peace, vigilance, and moral responsibility and help detect early signs of radicalism as well as suspend all night activities in all worship centers.
According to him, Kogi remains Nigeria’s major gateway, so residents should profile tenants, report any security threat, and not to shield criminals.
“Any house harbouring criminals will be demolished.”
He appreciated President Bola Tinubu for ongoing road construction in the state and urged contractors to open completed sections to ease traffic ahead of the festive season.
The governor directed the state Ministry of Information to intensify grassroots sensitisation on the roles of residents in Kogi’s security architecture and to also ensure timely reportage to prevent panic spreading, which is also a security threat. NAN
