Kogi State governor, Usman Ahmed Ododo, has issued a fresh warning that key commanders of notorious bandit groups have moved into forest zones in Kogi East, allegedly preparing to intensify assaults on communities across the state.
Ododo disclosed this on Thursday during an interactive session with journalists at the Government House in Lokoja, shortly after an emergency meeting of the State Security Council and consultations with senior security chiefs and traditional rulers.
The governor acknowledged that insecurity is a nationwide challenge, noting that Kogi is not isolated from the broader national security crisis. He, however, reaffirmed his administration’s stance against negotiating or paying ransom to criminal groups.
“Before now, you would hear of shootings in schools and residential areas around the world,” he said. “We must join forces to protect our people. We are brainstorming to find solutions and ensure our citizens get the security they deserve.
“The major commanders of these bandits have relocated to Kogi in the last three days, but we won’t sit back and wait for them. We will take the fight to them. We will not bow to criminals or negotiate with them. Instead, we will sensitise our people to remain vigilant.”
The governor also confirmed that the State Security Council has approved immediate “security timing restrictions” across the state, though details of the measures are yet to be disclosed.
Meanwhile, the state government moved to dispel widespread rumours of an ongoing bandit attack in Lokoja earlier on Thursday. In a counter-statement, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, dismissed the claims.
“The satanic panic being spread by mischief makers is baseless and should be ignored,” he said. “We urge residents to go about their lawful activities without fear. Government is working tirelessly with security agencies to guarantee the safety of every Kogite.”
Rumours of an attack in Lokoja had circulated around 11:30 a.m., disrupting social and economic activities, particularly around Zango, Crusher, and Felele areas of the capital city.
