Gov Ododo vows action against bandits after deadly Egbe community attack

…Pledges support for families of fallen heroes 

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has strongly condemned the recent bandit attack on Egbe community in Yagba West Local Government Area, describing it as a brutal assault on the state’s peace.

The governor vowed that justice will be served for the fallen heroes, including Nigeria Police Force officers and Vigilante Service members who lost their lives defending the community.

Gov. Usman Ododo

During a condolence visit to the community this Saturday, Ododo, represented by Deputy Governor Joel Salifu, assured intensified collaboration with security agencies, improved community policing, and support for local vigilantes to enhance safety across Kogi State.

He extended condolences to bereaved families, pledging government support, and urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces to overcome insecurity.

“Their blood will not be shed in vain. We will not rest until those behind this heinous crime are tracked down, apprehended, and brought to justice,” the Governor said.

To the bereaved families, Governor Ododo extended heartfelt condolences, pledging that the government will stand by them and ensure the dependents of the fallen heroes are not abandoned. And commended the swift response of security agencies and local vigilantes to security threats.

He urged residents not to succumb to fear but to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report suspicious activities. He also warned against harboring criminals or aiding their operations in any form.

“Together, we’ll overcome. Together, we’ll send a clear message that Kogi State cannot be broken,” Governor Ododo affirmed.

He concluded with prayers for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes, comfort for their families, and lasting peace across the state.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Hon. Tosin Olokun, appreciated the Governor for visiting to assess the extent of the pain inflicted on the community and to commiserate with them, noting that only a caring government would stand with its people at such a time.

The State Security Adviser, Rtd Commander Jerry Omodara, in his remarks, highlighted the strides of the state government in strengthening security in border communities.

He stressed that the government will not allow Egbe to be overrun by criminals, insisting that residents must be able to live in peace and farm without fear.

According to him, most bandits terrorising flashpoints in the state are fleeing from neighboring states, adding that the government has identified their hideouts.

“With the support of the Federal Government and the National Security Adviser, the criminals are being intercepted and neutralised”

Omodara further disclosed plans to establish a Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Egbe to address insecurity in the area, while warning local collaborators and saboteurs that the government will deal with them decisively.

In his remarks, His Royal Highness, Oba Ayodele Irukera, the Elegbe of Egbe, appealed for more security presence, stressing that as a border community, Egbe is highly vulnerable to attacks. He apologized for the recent road blockade staged by youths, describing it as a reaction to the insecurity in the area. “It is inhuman for five people to be killed in just one day,” he said, calling for urgent measures to strengthen security in the community.

A youth representative, Engr. Olugbenga David, urged the government to carry young people along in its security strategies, and called for the deployment of more personnel, including trained forest guards, to the area.

The Deputy Governor’s visit to Egbe community was accompanied by key officials including Hilary Ojoma Egwudah, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor; Rtd Commander Jerry Omodara, State Security Adviser; Engr Joseph Oluwaseun, Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management; Abdullahi Tijani Oricha, State Coordinator of the AGILE Project; and Williams Ikojo Ameh, Chairman of Olamaboro Local Government Area, alongside other dignitaries.