Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, 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.

A statement by Unubi Emmanuel, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of the State, quoted Ododo as saying, “The governor mourns the loss of gallant officers of the Nigeria Police Force and 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.”

He assured that his administration will intensify collaboration with security agencies, improve community policing, and provide more support and resources to local vigilantes to secure every part of the state.

To the bereaved families, Governor Ododo extended heartfelt condolences, pledging that government will stand by them and ensure the dependents of the fallen heroes are not abandoned. He commended the swift response of security agencies and local vigilantes to security threats.

He urged residents not to give in to fear but to stay alert, work with security agencies, and report suspicious activities quickly. He also warned against harbouring criminals or helping their operations in any way.

“Together, we will overcome. Together, we will send a clear message that Kogi State cannot be broken,” Governor Ododo affirmed.

He concluded with prayers for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes, comfort for their families, and lasting peace across the state.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Hon. Tosin Olokun, thanked the governor for visiting to assess the community’s suffering and to offer condolences, noting that only a caring government would stand with its people during such times.

Also speaking, the State Security Adviser, Retired Commander Jerry Omodara, highlighted the strides made by the state government in strengthening security in border communities. He stressed that the government will not allow Egbe to be overrun by criminals, insisting that residents must be able to live in peace and farm without fear.

He revealed that most bandits terrorizing flashpoints in the state are fleeing from neighbouring states, adding that the government has identified their hideouts. With the support of the Federal Government and the National Security Adviser, he noted, the criminals are being intercepted and neutralized.

Omodara further disclosed plans to establish a Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Egbe to address insecurity in the area, while warning local collaborators and saboteurs that government will deal with them decisively.

In his remarks, His Royal Highness, Oba Ayodele Irukera, the Elegbe of Egbe, appealed for more security presence, stressing that as a border community, Egbe is highly vulnerable to attacks. He apologized for the recent road blockade staged by youths, describing it as a reaction to the insecurity in the area. “It is inhuman for five people to be killed in just one day,” he said, calling for urgent measures to strengthen security in the community.

A youth representative, Engr. Olugbenga David, urged the government to carry young people along in its security strategies and called for the deployment of more personnel, including trained forest guards, to the area.

Accompanying the Deputy Governor on the visit were the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hilary Ojoma Egwudah; the State Security Adviser, Rtd. Commander Jerry Omodara; the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management.

Engr. Joseph Oluwaseun; the State Coordinator of the AGILE Project, Abdullahi Tijani Oricha; the Chairman of Olamaboro Local Government Area, Williams Ikojo Ameh, among others. (The Guardian)