Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has declared total war against criminal elements destabilizing parts of Yagba West Local Government Area, vowing to stamp out insecurity and restore lasting peace to the region.
The governor made the declaration during a visit to Isanlu-Esa, a frontline community in the ongoing military operation against banditry and kidnappings in the area.
His visit follows a spike in violent incidents, including recent cases of kidnappings and killings along the Okunran, Okoloke, and Isanlu-Esa axis, which have triggered fear and tension across Yagba West.
Governor Ododo described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that Kogi State remains a no-go area for criminals. He pledged his administration’s unwavering commitment to flushing out all criminal elements operating within the state.
“We have all resolved to ensure that these criminals are completely rooted out from our country, from Kogi State, and particularly from Yagba Federal Constituency,” the governor said. “The mineral resources in this region have attracted criminal elements, but we will not give them any breathing space.”
The governor directed security agencies to intensify their operations and hunt down the perpetrators and masterminds of recent attacks.
He also urged local residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, assuring that adequate measures are in place to safeguard lives and property.
Governor Ododo commended the bravery and sacrifice of the military, police, and hybrid forces deployed from the Office of the National Security Adviser for their relentless fight against insecurity across the state.
He expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of fallen soldiers, pledging government support to those who lost loved ones in the line of duty.
“The families of our brothers who paid the ultimate price will not be forgotten. The battle line has been drawn, and we will not retreat,” he affirmed.
The governor also cautioned traditional rulers against leasing land to criminal elements for personal gain and urged youths to cooperate with security operatives by providing credible intelligence.
Addressing the issue of illegal mining, Governor Ododo warned that any miner operating without proper profiling in Kogi State would be treated as a criminal, adding that possession of a federal mining license alone does not confer the right to operate in the state without state-level clearance.
He further appealed to politicians to refrain from spreading falsehoods and instead support the state government’s security efforts aimed at restoring peace.
Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, commended the synergy among security agencies including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, and hybrid forces in combating criminal activities across Yagba West.
He emphasized that the current operations align with Governor Ododo’s vision of a crime-free Kogi State and highlighted the vital role of local intelligence in sustaining security gains.
In his remarks, the Traditional Ruler of Isanlu-Esa, His Royal Highness, Oba Olufemi Ogunremi Theophilus, appealed for the extension of the armed forces’ stay in the area, noting that the community shares borders with Kwara State and remains vulnerable to external attacks.
The monarch also called for improved road infrastructure, enhanced security presence, and better healthcare facilities. He urged the governor to facilitate federal intervention for the rehabilitation of the Isanlu-Esa Federal Road, describing it as critical to the local economy and security.
Governor Ododo assured the people that his administration aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to securing lives and property will not relent until peace and stability are fully restored across every part of the state.
“Kogi is no place for criminals to thrive,” the governor declared, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to protect the lives and livelihoods of all citizens.
