By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The government of Kogi State has explained that the evacuation of residents from Jakura and Ogbabon communities was part of security measures aimed at tackling banditry and uncovering collaborators aiding criminal elements in the area.
The State Security Adviser, Jerry Omodara (rtd), disclosed this while addressing the evacuated residents in Lokoja on Tuesday.
According to him, the evacuation followed an intensified security clearance operation carried out across communities in Kogi West with support from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Omodara explained that during the operation, security agencies discovered that some residents, including women and youths, were allegedly supplying goods and passing sensitive information to bandits operating in the area.
He said credible intelligence further revealed that a number of youths in Jakura and Obagbon communities were cooperating with bandits, leaving the government with no option but to evacuate residents of the affected communities, including their traditional rulers.
The security adviser noted that the temporary relocation was necessary to enable authorities carry out thorough investigations, identify those involved in aiding criminal groups, and address the root causes of the insecurity.
According to him, after spending about three weeks away from their communities, the state government has now decided to return the residents to their homes with necessary support, particularly considering the ongoing Ramadan season.
He disclosed that Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State, has approved relief materials for the communities, including 200 bags of rice and four cows to support the residents as they resettle.
Omodara assured that security operations would continue in the affected communities to ensure safety and prevent the resurgence of criminal activities.
He also warned communities across the state against collaborating with bandits, stressing that the government would neither negotiate with criminal elements nor tolerate residents who aid them.
âCommunities across the state must be warned. We are determined not to negotiate with bandits, and anyone found culpable in aiding them will be treated as a bandit,â he stated.
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