Kogi Governor Vows to “Defeat Criminality” and Kidnapping in High-Tension Communities

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Monday, October 6, 2025, made a strong commitment to rid the state of kidnapping and other criminal activities that threaten peace and development. The Governor made this firm declaration during a visit to the recently troubled Isanlu-Esa community in the Yagba West Local Government Area (LGA).

Governor Ododo’s visit was prompted by the heightened tension resulting from recent cases of kidnapping and killings in Okunran, Okoloke, and Isanlu-Esa communities. He declared that his administration has a “firmly resolved to stamp out criminal activities” in the area, assuring the distressed residents, “I truly share in your pains, and I am determined to make criminality a thing of the past in this local government. I was elected to protect lives and property, and we will not relent until Kogi is safe.”

The Governor highly commended the coordinated efforts of the combined security forces operating in the area, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other special forces. He pledged continuous and necessary support to ensure they “triumph over criminality.”

In a clear move to tackle the internal factors enabling crime, Governor Ododo issued a stern warning to traditional rulers regarding land allocation. He stressed that henceforth, any individual with mining licenses must be thoroughly profiled by the government and security agencies to prevent security breaches. Furthermore, he warned that any person caught aiding or abetting criminal activities “will be treated as a criminal.”

The Commander of the Nigerian Army in charge of the operation, Brig. Gen. K. U. Sidi, appreciated the Governor for his sustained logistical and other assistance, which has strengthened their capacity. The traditional ruler of Isanlu-Esa, His Royal Highness Oba Olufemi Theophilus, also thanked the Governor for his personal concern and requested that the security presence be sustained until criminal elements are completely eliminated from the area.

Governor Ododo also paid tribute to the gallant officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, assuring their families that their sacrifices would not be in vain, and reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s support for peace and security across the state and Nigeria.