The Kogi State Government on Saturday reiterated its firm commitment to taking decisive action against criminals and security threats to the safety of lives and property.
“This administration is not merely paying lip service to the security of our people,” declared the Commissioner for Information, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, during an interview with journalists in Lokoja.
Fanwo stated that Governor Ahmed Ododo’s government has implemented concrete measures to address any outbreaks of insecurity, stressing, “Kogi is not under siege, nor will it be.”
Acknowledging security concerns in parts of Yagba land, especially Yagba West, the commissioner assured that the situation is being carefully and discreetly managed to prevent escalation.
“We are balancing the urgency of the matter with the need for caution so as not to exacerbate the situation. The government remains fully engaged, and our interventions are precise, targeted, and strategic.
“We are taking reports of threats to some churches in Yagba East very seriously. The governor has ordered a thorough investigation to verify these claims.
“Security has neither collapsed in any part of Kogi nor will it. We have reached an advanced stage of collaboration with national security agencies to neutralise all threats to peace and stability in the state,” he emphasised.
Fanwo also praised local security groups, including the Okun hunters and other grassroots security outfits, for their crucial role in maintaining peace and order.
He stressed the importance of community-based efforts as part of the broader security strategy.
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“Government intelligence has identified locations of certain criminal elements; however, operational plans are being meticulously executed to avoid collateral damage.
“These criminals often hide among innocent citizens, many of whom have been abducted from Kogi and neighbouring states. Our priority is to protect our people without endangering innocent lives.
“The objective of these criminals is to wage psychological warfare through sudden attacks, so we must not fall into their trap. Insecurity affects us all, and the media must act responsibly.”
While acknowledging isolated security breaches, Fanwo assured that the government is actively responding and remains confident of ultimate success.
He added that security forces are on the trail of the criminals and have taken the fight to them.
The commissioner urged residents to support security efforts by providing credible intelligence to the relevant agencies, stressing that collective resolve and cooperation are vital to overcoming the cowardly acts of these criminal elements.
