Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, made a significant move on Saturday by visiting communities previously plagued by criminal activities in Omala local government area.
During his visit to Bagaji-Odo, Agojeju-Ododo, and Bagana communities, which have recently suffered attacks, Governor Ododo pledged to facilitate the establishment of a Forward Operation Base by the Nigerian Army in the area.
This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to address security challenges across Nigeria comprehensively.
Expressing his dismay at the senseless violence and property destruction in Bagana, Governor Ododo attributed these acts to the excessive greed and selfish interests of certain community leaders.
These leaders, he alleged, invite criminals from neighbouring areas to attack their perceived enemies, exacerbating the security situation in the region.
Governor Ododo promised to restore peace to Bagana community, assuring that all those behind attacks in Bagana will not go unpunished.
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The caretaker chairman of Omala local government, Honourable Mark Edibo said the conflict over control of natural resources led to the unrest that has brought wanton destruction of lives and property upon Bagana community and appealed to Governor Ododo to come to the aid of the community by providing enabling environment to restore the once thriving economy in the area.
Earlier during his visit to Agojeju-Ododo, Governor Ododo sympathized with the people of the community over recent spate of attacks that claimed lives and property in the community.
The Governor promised to make wide-ranging interventions in the area, by addressing security lapses in the community and the construction of Idrisu-Okpotala-Bagaji-Odo-Agojeju-Odo road to ensure security of farmlands and access to markets for farm produce in the area.
In his remarks, the Atta Igala, His Royal Majesty Mathew Alaji Opaluwa commended Governor Ododo for identifying with the people of Omala and assured him of the continued support of the people of the state.
In his welcome address, the leader of Agojeju-Odo community, Mr Elias Atabor expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for commiserating with the community and for providing palliative for the people, noting that the Governor is the first serving Governor to have visited the community since the creation of Kogi State.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
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