Ododo to security operatives: No night arrests, respect citizens’ rights

…Tasks monarchs on violence-free elections

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has banned night arrests across the state, directing security operatives to desist from invading homes and taking citizens into custody under the cover of darkness.

Ododo gave the directive on Monday while addressing first-class traditional rulers at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Lokoja, where he also charged the monarchs to mobilise their communities against political violence and ensure a peaceful electoral process.

The governor said security operations must respect the dignity and fundamental rights of citizens, insisting that suspected offenders should be invited and arrested through lawful procedures during the day.

“No arrest should be made in the night. If you have any case against anybody, wait till daytime, follow due process, invite the person lawfully,” Ododo said.

He added: “We won’t allow our people to be harassed, intimidated or picked up like criminals in the middle of the night.”

The governor directed the traditional rulers to report any security personnel who violates the order, assuring them that his administration would not tolerate abuse of power under the guise of maintaining security.

The pronouncement comes as the administration continues to emphasise security and community cooperation in tackling criminal activities across the state.

Ododo also warned that criminal networks were increasingly relying on local collaborators who provide food, logistics and information to criminals operating in the bush.

“Our problem now is not foreigners. It’s our own brothers and sisters supplying food, logistics and information to criminals in the bush,” he told the monarchs.

He specifically raised concern over the activities of some wood-cutters and urged the traditional rulers to summon members of their associations and caution them against activities that could aid criminal operations.

The governor warned that anyone found providing assistance to criminals would face the consequences, regardless of personal or political connections.

“If you’re caught aiding criminals, we won’t spare you, even if you’re my brother,” he said.

According to Ododo, the government’s strategy of disrupting the supply networks of criminals, including blocking their access routes and shutting down compromised local markets, was already yielding results.

He said the measures were “making them feel the heat”, while urging traditional rulers and community leaders to sustain cooperation with security agencies.

The governor also commended the monarchs for their contribution to the relative peace in the state, noting that many had provided prayers, guidance and personal resources to support security efforts.

“Some of you go out with us to confront these criminals. Some pray with the Quran and the Bible, others with tradition. Only God will reward you,” he said.

Ododo further called for support for the Chief of Army Staff and other security institutions, stressing that the responsibility for national security required collective backing.

He also used the meeting to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as significant support for Kogi, particularly in infrastructure, security and the regular payment of salaries.

The Governor cited the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene-Benin highway as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving critical infrastructure and strengthening connectivity between regions.

He also praised the president for supporting security initiatives in Kogi and strengthening the wider national security architecture.

With political activities gathering momentum, Ododo urged the traditional rulers to make peace a priority in their respective domains.

He appealed to them to caution their subjects against thuggery, intimidation and other acts capable of disrupting the state’s stability before, during and after the election.

“We cannot be killing ourselves to get to a position. Campaign should be issue-based, not about religion or ethnicity. We’re all Kogites,” the Governor said.

He urged political actors to focus on issues affecting the people rather than exploiting ethnic or religious sentiments, while calling on traditional rulers to work with community leaders, youths and political stakeholders to create an atmosphere conducive to peaceful political participation.

The governor also asked the monarchs to remain neutral peace advocates and prevent their communities from being used as platforms for political violence.

For the administration, the twin messages of the meeting were clear: security enforcement must remain firm but lawful, while political competition must not undermine the peace required for citizens to exercise their democratic rights.

Ododo said Kogi’s peace must be protected collectively, with government, security agencies, traditional institutions, political actors and communities playing their respective roles.