Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide additional air support to reinforce ongoing ground operations aimed at tackling insecurity in the state.
The governor made the call on Tuesday during a security meeting with chairmen of the 21 local government areas at the Government House in Lokoja.
Governor Ododo explained that the escalation of criminal activities in parts of the state is closely linked to Kogi’s unique geography.
He noted that the state, which shares boundaries with ten other states including the federal capital territory and is richly endowed with mineral resources in commercial quantities, has increasingly become a hideout for criminal elements fleeing security pressure from neighbouring states.
According to him, the state’s terrain and strategic location make security patrols challenging and sometimes expose security personnel to antics of criminals.
He revealed that although he had earlier written to the Chief of Air Staff requesting aerial support, presidential intervention has become necessary to ensure swift action in combating criminals.
“The ground operations are going on excellently. At this point, we need air support as we need Mr President’s intervention,” the governor said.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kogi State and executive chairman of Yagba West local government areas, Tosin Olokun, commended Governor Ododo for what he described as sustained and proactive security interventions across the state.
He joined the call by the governor in urging the Federal Government to intensify support to help “stamp insecurity” out of Kogi state.
Olokun also cautioned residents against spreading misinformation, stressing that several videos circulating on social media allegedly depicting insecurity in Kogi were fake. He assured citizens that the Ododo administration remains firmly committed to protecting lives and property in all parts of the state.
The meeting reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to collaborating with federal authorities and stakeholders in local communities to maintain peace and stability across the state.
