By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, on Monday praised the Nigerian military for restoring peace to crisis-hit communities in Omalla Local Government Area.
During a security tour to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Bagana, Omalla, the governor expressed gratitude for the military’s efforts in bringing stability to the area, which had been plagued by banditry and communal violence.
“When I visited Omalla previously, I promised to facilitate the establishment of a military Forward Operating Base here. Today, that promise has been fulfilled,” Ododo stated, addressing officers and soldiers of the FOB.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support in ensuring the safety of lives and property in Kogi State. The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies to sustain peace across the state.
Appeal for Continued Peace
Governor Ododo met with local leaders and residents, urging them to maintain peace and reject divisive influences from selfish politicians.
“Some politicians, driven by self-interest, use politics to deceive us and sow division. We must not let them destroy our communities,” Ododo warned.
It will be recalled that on April 4, 2024, 23 lives were lost, and property worth millions of naira was destroyed during herders-farmers and communal clashes in Bagana, Odu, and Abejukolo. Governor Ododo’s visit marks his third trip to Omalla this year, highlighting his focus on conflict resolution.
Community Gratitude and Requests
Omalla Local Government Chairman, Hon. Mark Edigbo, commended the governor’s dedication to ending the recurrent crises.
“Since your visit in May 2024, we have not experienced any further conflict in Bagana, which shares boundaries with Nasarawa and Benue States,” Edigbo noted.
He urged the governor to prioritize rehabilitating Omalla township roads and upgrading the local market to enhance economic activities.
Similarly, the Onu Ife and Chairman of the Omalla Traditional Council, HRH Boniface Musa, lauded the governor’s leadership and peace efforts. However, the monarch appealed for the restoration of electricity to the area, which has been without power since 2013.
Accompanied by Security Leaders
Governor Ododo was joined on the tour by key security officials, including Commander 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Oluremi Fadairo; Commander NNS Lugard, Commodore T. Senibi; and the State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara (rtd).
The visit reinforced the administration’s resolve to collaborate with security agencies to ensure lasting peace and development in Omalla and across Kogi State.
