By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Thursday visited Iluke Community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, declaring an all-out war against criminal elements following the failed attempt to abduct students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The governor’s visit came days after security operatives successfully foiled an attack on the community, rescuing students and preventing what residents described as a major security threat.
Addressing residents during the visit, Governor Ododo assured the people that his administration would not allow criminals to take over any part of Kogi State, stressing that those responsible for the attack would be tracked down and brought to justice.
He disclosed that security agencies had already made several arrests in connection with the incident and that operations were ongoing to apprehend other suspects still at large.
âAs I speak, from yesterday till now, we have picked most of them. As I speak to you now, we’ve picked another two of them. Let me tell you, we don’t have a department of arrest; once we get you, we will send you to where you belong,â the governor said.
Governor Ododo commended the swift intervention of security personnel whose timely response prevented the attackers from abducting the students and restored calm to the area.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, noting that security remains a top priority of his government.
âThis is our land. This is our state. We cannot leave it in the hands of criminals. Give us credible information. Do not harbour criminals, and do not provide them with logistics or support,â he urged.
The governor emphasized that community support and intelligence sharing are crucial in the fight against insecurity, calling on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
He also issued a strong warning to criminal gangs and their sponsors, declaring that Kogi State would no longer be a safe haven for those who threaten public peace.
âI am not afraid of any criminal or their sponsors. They will come, and we will deal with them. Enough is enough,â he declared.
Governor Ododo further assured parents, teachers and students that adequate security measures had been put in place to guarantee the safety of candidates participating in the ongoing WASSCE examinations across the state.
He noted that the government would continue to strengthen security architecture through improved logistics, intelligence gathering and collaboration among security agencies.
âWe are not going to play politics with the lives of our people. I am ready to protect you all,â he added.
Residents of Iluke expressed appreciation to the governor for his prompt visit and decisive response to the incident, describing it as a demonstration of leadership and commitment to the security of the people.
The visit ended with renewed assurances from the state government and security agencies that efforts would continue until all those connected to the attempted attack are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
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