Ododo Vows To Eliminate Bandits, Kidnappers In Kogi

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has vowed that his administration will not relent in its fight against banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities until the remnants of terrorists and criminal elements are completely eliminated from the state.

Ododo made the commitment yesterday in Kabba, Kogi State, during an endorsement rally for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, himself and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor, who was represented at the rally by his security adviser, Commander Jerry Omodare, said the state government was deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to tackle insecurity.

He disclosed that some of the criminal elements operating in the state had indicated their willingness to surrender, stressing, however, that government had made the release of all persons in their custody a condition for any surrender arrangement.

He said, “Our kinetic and non-kinetic approach is working. We are decimating the criminal elements in our land. Some of them have expressed their desire to surrender unconditionally.

“But we are also saying that they must free everyone in their custody. I can tell you that they are already doing that.”

Ododo urged residents of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency to continue supporting government programmes and policies, particularly those aimed at improving security and infrastructure across the state.

He also appealed to the people to support the second-term bid of President Tinubu, himself and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

Earlier, the convener of the rally, Rt. Hon. Prince Mathew Kolawole, said the gathering was an opportunity for stakeholders in Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu to assess developments under the Tinubu administration at the federal level and the Ododo administration in Kogi State.

Kolawole said the Tinubu administration had introduced several policies and programmes in the areas of education, youth and women empowerment, infrastructure and security.

He specifically cited the students’ loan scheme as an intervention capable of reducing financial barriers to tertiary education, while also highlighting various federal government empowerment programmes targeted at youths and women.

He also listed the reconstruction of the Kabba-Egbe-Ilorin road among projects of importance to the people of Okunland, noting that the road would improve transportation, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and strengthen economic activities among communities in Kogi, Kwara and neighbouring states.

According to him, the federal government had also approved the construction of the Lokoja-Abuja road and Kabba-Ekiti road, as well as an airport project for Kogi State.

Kolawole further commended the appointment of sons and daughters of Okunland and Kogi State into positions of responsibility at the federal level, describing such appointments as opportunities for them to contribute to national development.

On the state government, the former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly said the Ododo administration had placed security, workers’ welfare, infrastructure, education and human capital development among its priorities.

He noted that the government’s collaboration with security agencies and community-based security structures had contributed to efforts to protect communities in Okunland that had experienced security challenges.

Kolawole also commended the regular payment of workers’ salaries and pensions, saying prompt payment of salaries and pension obligations had direct implications for the welfare of families and the local economy.

He identified the development of Kogi State University, Kabba, as one of the projects of significance to Kogi West, saying the institution would expand access to tertiary education and stimulate economic activities in the area.

He also highlighted the payment of WASSCE and NECO examination fees for students in public schools, describing the intervention as a measure capable of reducing the financial burden on parents.

According to him, the state government had also embarked on various youth and women empowerment programmes aimed at providing skills, economic opportunities and support for residents.

Kolawole said the construction of an internal market around Zone 8 in Lokoja and the proposed airport project were among other developments expected to enhance economic activities in the state.

He, however, called for continuous accountability and public assessment of government projects and policies, stressing that political leadership should ultimately be measured by its impact on the people.

He urged residents to participate constructively in governance, monitor public projects and support peaceful political participation.

Kolawole subsequently called on the people of Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu to endorse President Tinubu, Governor Ododo and other APC candidates for second terms in office.

He said the ultimate aspiration of the people should be a safer, more prosperous and developed Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu, Kogi State and Nigeria.