Kogi State Under Lockdown as Governor Ododo Vows to Crush Criminals

In a bold move to tackle the rising spate of criminal activities in Kogi State, Governor Ahmed Ododo has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to fighting crime and protecting the lives and properties of citizens. Speaking during an inspection of newly acquired security equipment, including Armoured Personnel Carriers, Ododo stated that his government would not surrender any part of the state's territory to bandits, kidnappers, or other criminal elements. He emphasized that security was a collective responsibility and the foundation for sustainable development, adding that his administration would continue to work tirelessly to hunt down and eliminate criminal groups. The governor attributed his renewed determination to a recent security briefing with President Bola Tinubu, which he said had given him a clear mandate to restore and sustain peace in the state. Ododo noted that despite some communities suffering attacks, security operatives had responded swiftly, thanks to proactive measures and coordinated security strategies implemented by the state government. He revealed that the government had begun deploying specialized security equipment to support security agencies and warned that criminals were becoming more sophisticated by using drones and coordinated operations. The governor commended the efforts of vigilantes, hunters, the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, and other security agencies in the fight against crime. He also announced that the state had ordered 50 armoured protective vehicles to strengthen security operations, with the first batch already deployed across the state. Ododo ruled out negotiations with criminals, insisting that ransom payments would not be considered, and instead, funds meant for ransom would be used to equip security agencies to defeat criminals. He reiterated that his administration would reclaim every part of Kogi territory and assured residents that lasting peace and security remained his government's priority.