**By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja**
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Monday visited Isanlu-Esa in Yagba West Local Government Area, pledging to eliminate criminal activities and restore peace to the region.
The governor’s visit followed recent incidents of kidnapping and killings along the Okunran, Okoloke, and Isanlu-Esa communities, which have heightened tension among residents of Yagba West.
Governor Ododo commended the gallantry of security agencies for their commitment to restoring order and sympathized with families who lost loved ones in the recent attacks.
> “Let me thank you for your efforts at ensuring security in this area. Your synergy has made your assignment easier, and I am always ready to provide all necessary support to triumph over criminality,” he said.
The governor assured residents that his administration would not relent in its efforts to make criminality a thing of the past in the state.
> “As your Governor, I share in your pain, and I am determined to make criminality a thing of the past in this local government. I was elected to protect lives and property, and we will not rest until Kogi State is safe,” he added.
Ododo also paid tribute to security operatives who lost their lives in the line of duty, promising that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
He cautioned traditional rulers against indiscriminate allocation of land to unknown individuals, warning that henceforth, anyone with mining licences must be properly profiled by the government and security agencies to prevent security breaches.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring peace and security across Kogi and Nigeria. He commended the National Security Adviser and the nation’s Security Chiefs for effectively implementing the President’s directives toward a safer country.
Earlier, the Commander of the Nigerian Army leading the operation, Brigadier General K. U. Sidi, lauded the joint efforts of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and special forces in combating criminality in the area.
Brig. Gen. Sidi appreciated the governor’s sustained support for security agencies, noting that the provision of logistics and other assistance had strengthened their operational capacity. He also commended the “invaluable contributions” of the Hybrid Force from the Office of the National Security Adviser to the ongoing operation in Yagba West.
In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Isanlu-Esa, His Royal Highness Oba Olufemi Ogunremi Theophilus, thanked the governor for personally visiting the community, describing the gesture as a demonstration of responsive and responsible leadership.
The royal father urged security agencies to maintain their presence in the area until criminal activities are completely eradicated. He also appealed to the Federal Government to repair the road leading to the community to facilitate movement and enhance security operations.
Governor Ododo was accompanied on the visit by top government officials and heads of security agencies.
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