Ododo vows Kogi won’t surrender territory to criminals, rules out ransom

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo has declared a resolute stance against criminality, vowing that no territory will be surrendered to bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements. He affirmed that security agencies would confront these threats decisively, prioritizing the protection of lives and property as a sacred covenant with the people.

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The day I took the oath of office was when I entered a covenant with our people.

During an inspection of newly acquired Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other security assets in Lokoja, Governor Ododo reiterated his administration's commitment to ensuring peace and security across the state. He highlighted that a recent security briefing with President Bola Tinubu had strengthened his resolve to tackle criminal groups, emphasizing his mandate to restore and sustain peace in Kogi.

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We will continue to hunt down criminal elements and wipe them out from our land.

Ododo addressed the evolving tactics of criminal gangs, noting their increasing sophistication, including the use of drones and coordinated operations. However, he assured that the state has studied these strategies and is responding effectively to eliminate them. He also warned that intelligence reports had exposed attempts by criminal gangs to deceive local communities, commending the efforts of vigilantes, hunters, and various security agencies.

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As a field worker, I do not wait for second-hand information.

Underscoring the government's commitment, Ododo revealed that Kogi had ordered 50 armored protective vehicles, with the first batch already deployed. He firmly ruled out any negotiations or ransom payments to criminals, stating that any funds allocated for such purposes would instead be used to equip security agencies. "No amount of resources is too much when saving lives. We are ready to invest whatever it takes to protect our people," Ododo declared, reinforcing his administration's dedication to reclaiming territory and ensuring the safety of its citizens.

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Bandits are changing tactics. They now use drones and organised groups. But we have studied their strategies and are responding effectively to eliminate them.