The Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has ordered an immediate crackdown on the attackers responsible for the killing of two farmers on Friday in the Odo-Ape community of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State.
Ododo issued the directive in a statement signed by the Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, and shared with journalists on Saturday in Lokoja.
The governor stated that he had instructed the state security adviser, Jerry Omodara, to collaborate with security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.
Two farmers were killed on Friday when gunmen attacked the Odo-Ape community in the state’s Western Senatorial District.
“The government is putting all hands on deck to ensure the attackers do not escape justice,” Ododo said.
The governor urged residents to remain calm and avoid reprisals, warning that such actions could lead to further losses.
Ododo expressed his condolences to the affected families and reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents.
“We sympathise with the communities affected by this unfortunate incident. Rest assured that my administration is fully committed to your security and will stop at nothing to guarantee your safety,” he said.
The state government also called on the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in apprehending the culprits.
The governor stressed that every life in Kogi is important and appealed for cooperation from residents to help end criminal activities in the state.
Meanwhile, security operatives have been deployed to Odo-Ape and other flashpoints in the area to restore peace and ensure the protection of lives and property.
The government assured residents that normalcy would be restored swiftly.
Governor Ododo further pledged that those who lost their lives in the attack would not be forgotten and vowed to strengthen the state’s capacity to combat criminal elements effectively.
“The victims of this heinous act will not die in vain. We remain resolute in our fight against the enemies of peace and security in Kogi State,” Ododo said.
