By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has condemned the recent bandits’ attack on Egbe community in Yagba West Local Government Area.
Speaking during a condolence visit to Egbe on Saturday, the governor, represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, said the state 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.
In a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Unubi Emmanuel, the governor described the incident as a brutal assault on the peace and humanity of Kogi State.
“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 vowed.
He assured that his administration would intensify collaboration with security agencies, strengthen community policing, and provide more support and resources to local vigilantes to secure all parts of the state.
Governor Ododo also extended condolences to the bereaved families, pledging that the government would 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 the security threats.
He urged residents not to succumb to fear but to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report suspicious activities. He further warned against harboring criminals or aiding their operations.
“Together, we will overcome. Together, we will send a clear message that Kogi State cannot be broken,” Ododo affirmed.
Earlier, the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Hon. Tosin Olokun, thanked the governor for visiting to assess the situation and commiserate with the community, noting that only a caring government would stand with its people in such a difficult time.
Also speaking, the State Security Adviser, Rtd Commander Jerry Omodara, highlighted efforts of the state government to strengthen security in border communities. He stressed that Egbe would not be allowed to fall to criminals, insisting that residents must be able to live and farm without fear.
He explained that most bandits terrorizing flashpoints in the state were fleeing from neighboring states, adding that the government had identified their hideouts. With the support of the Federal Government and the National Security Adviser, he said, the criminals were being intercepted and neutralized.
Omodara further disclosed plans to establish a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Egbe to curb insecurity in the area, while warning local collaborators and saboteurs of decisive action from government.
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 remains 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, while calling for urgent measures to strengthen security in the community.
