Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has directed security agencies operating in the state to stop making arrests at night, warning against the invasion of citizens’ homes under the cover of darkness.

The Governor gave the directive on Monday while addressing first-class traditional rulers at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Lokoja.

He said the order was intended to protect the dignity and fundamental rights of citizens, stressing that security operations must be conducted in a lawful, civil and humane manner.

“No arrest should be made in the night. If you have any case against anybody, wait till daytime, follow due process, invite the person lawfully,” Ododo declared.

“We will not allow our people to be harassed, intimidated or picked up like criminals in the middle of the night.”

The Governor urged the traditional rulers to report any security personnel who violated the directive, assuring them that his administration would not tolerate abuse of power.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to Kogi State, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, security and the timely release of allocations to enable states to meet their obligations.

According to Ododo, the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene-Benin highway remains one of the major indications of the Federal Government’s commitment to the development of the state and the country.

He further praised the President for strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and supporting local security initiatives in Kogi, which he said had helped restore peace to several communities.

The Governor also appealed to the traditional rulers to support the Chief of Army Staff, stressing that the security of the nation required collective responsibility.

He acknowledged the sacrifices of the royal fathers in maintaining peace across their domains, noting that many had contributed through prayers, guidance and personal resources.

“Some of you go out with us to confront these criminals. Some pray with the Quran and the Bible, others with tradition. Only God will reward you,” he said.

However, Ododo warned that criminal elements were increasingly relying on local collaborators for food, logistics and information.

He specifically called on traditional rulers to caution wood-cutters and other groups operating in forests against aiding criminals.

“If you are caught aiding criminals, we will not spare you, even if you are my brother,” the Governor warned.

He said the government’s efforts to block supply routes and shut down compromised local markets were already putting pressure on criminal elements.

On the forthcoming general election, Ododo urged the traditional rulers to use their positions to promote peace, tolerance and a violence-free electoral process.

He appealed to them to caution their subjects against thuggery, intimidation and other acts capable of disrupting the peace of the state.

The Governor stressed that political differences should not become a reason for violence, urging stakeholders to embrace issue-based campaigns and allow citizens to exercise their democratic rights freely.

“We cannot be killing ourselves to get to a position. Campaign should be issue-based, not about religion or ethnicity. We are all Kogites,” he said.

He further charged the royal fathers to work with community leaders, youths and political stakeholders to ensure that the election is conducted in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect.

Ododo urged the traditional rulers to remain neutral peace advocates in their domains and prevent individuals or groups from using their communities as platforms for violence before, during or after the election. (Nigerian Tribune)