By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Some suspected Vandals who carted away valuable broadcast equipment at the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, Ochaja sub-station have been arrested.
The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Egume Division, Mr Baganjiya Charles confirmed this at the stakeholders meeting in Anyigba in Dekina local government area.
He pointed out that investigations are ongoing as some suspects are already giving useful information to the Police.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo at the meeting frowned at the incessant vandalization of the station saying “its disheartening and must be addressed properly”.
“This is the second time in a year that this station has been vandalized and it is not a good narrative for our dear State in general and Kogi East in particular. It is self-destructive to destroy what serves you.”
“The government will not fold its arms while a few disgruntled elements try to put up conducts that tend to paint our state in a destructive light. Kogi East people are wonderful people who cherish the services rendered by our broadcasting station here.”
“As an administration, we will do everything possible to apprehend the remaining perpetrators at large to avert future occurrence. We will not close down this station. Our people in Kogi East must not accept being cut off from civilization by criminal elements who do not represent the noble race called Igala.”
“We urge security agencies to intensify their efforts to fish out the perpetrators”.
The Commissioner also urged the Royal Fathers to show more concern about security in their domains, saying “Criminals live in communities and plot all their operations in communities. Communities have a big role in protecting government property within their domains.
Hon. Fanwo assured the Igala people that the Radio Station will soon be back on air as the Governor has shown undoubted commitment to that effect.
He applauded the Dekina Council Chairman, Hon. John Ikani for his commitment to security in the Local Government Area saying the Government will continue to support him to deliver good governance to the Dekina people.
The Ejeh of Dekina and Chairman, Dekina Local Government Traditional Council, HRM Alhaji. Usman Obaje said the people of Dekina are grateful that the Governor has graciously decided to bring the station back on the air, saying concerted efforts will be geared towards ensuring the security of the station.
In his remarks, the Transition Committee Chairman of the Local Government Area, Hon. John Ikani said security agencies are on top of the situation, saying arrest of suspects has been effected and that they will soon be charged in court.
He said his administration has placed security on the front burners in the Local Government Area, assuring that adequate measures have been put in place to avert future occurrences.
