Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, on Saturday visited some communities that were recently attacked by armed bandits in Omala Local Government area of the state.
Speaking, Governor Ododo promised to clear all cells of bandits in the area and other parts of the state.
Some of the communities visited by Ododo are Bagaji-Odo, Agojeju-Ododo and Bagana communities which were recently attacked by bandits .
The governor promised to facilitate the establishment of a Forward Operation Base of the Nigerian Army in the area in line with the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to confront security challenges in all parts of Nigeria.
While in Bagana, Governor Ododo decried the senseless killings and destruction of property in the community due to what he called excessive greed and selfish interests of some leaders.
He accused the leaders he did not name of inviting criminals from neighbouring communities to attack perceived enemies.
Governor Ododo promised to restore peace to Bagana community, assuring that all those behind incessant attacks in Bagana will not go unpunished.
The caretaker Chairman of Omala Local Government, Hon. Mark Edibo said conflict over control of natural resources in the area led to the unrest that has brought wanton destruction of lives and property upon Bagana community.
Edibo appealed to Governor Ododo to come to the aid of the community by providing enabling environment to restore the once thriving economy of the area.
Earlier during his visit to Agojeju-Ododo, Governor Ododo sympathized with the people of the community over recent spate of attacks that claimed lives and property in the community.
The governor promised to intervene by addressing security lapses in the community and the construction of Idrisu-Okpotala-Bagaji-Odo-Agojeju-Odo road to ensure security of farmlands and access to markets by residents.
In his remarks, the Atta Igala, Mathew Alaji Opaluwa, commended Governor Ododo for identifying with the people of Omala in this difficult time, assuring him of the continued support of the people of the state.
In his welcome address, the leader of Agojeju-Odo community, Mr Elias Atabor expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for commiserating with the community and for providing palliative for the people shortly after the attacks.
He noted that the governor is the first serving Governor to visit the community since the creation of Kogi State. (vitalnewsngr.com)
