Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has reiterated his commitment to the safety and security of lives and properties across the length and breadth of the state.
Ododo stated thus on Friday in Lokoja while unveiling a new set of security vehicles for use in the local government council areas.
He said the aim was to boost and enhance the operational efficiency and capability of security architecture in the state.
The governor said his administration is particularly resolved to make adequate provision for the local vigilante services as part if efforts to entrench community policing.
He said the renewed onslaught against criminals in the state will be extended to cover all the communities.
Ododo said measures will be out in place to enhance intelligence gathering and shorter response time to distress calls by local vigilante and conventional security men as a model for community policing in Nigeria.
According to Ododo, nothing, not even the antics of unpatriotic noise makers and sponsors of criminals will deter his administration’s efforts to keep the state safe and to make it more attractive for investors and legitimate businesses from all over the world.
Security, Gov. Ododo said remains the responsibility of everyone, urging the people not to lower their guard at any point in time.
“Together, we shall overcome the challenges of insecurity and emerge stronger than ever as a state and country.
“Today’s event is a further testament to our collective resolve as a government to tackle security challenges in the state head on with enhanced speed and overall efficiency of our security operatives.
“These operational security vehicles which is the first installment of several hundreds to be provided over the next few weeks will advance the safety and security of lives and property in all parts of the state as it stands as one of our most significant operational response yet to recent upsurge in criminal activities in some parts of the state.
“Recall that during my inauguration, I promised to embark on people-oriented programmes and projects that will directly touch the lives of our people.
“No doubt, to achieve the objectives of our programmes and policies, Kogi State must remain safe and secure for everyone.
“The recent launch of the Metropolitan Quick Response in Lokoja and other major towns in the state and this unveiling of operational vehicles are among series of evolving security measures geared towards ensuring that we keep our environment safe and to build on the solid foundation of the security architecture laid by the immediate past administration in the state.
“As we embark on consistent review of the security situation in the state, let me state unequivocally that our resolve to maintain law and order in all parts of the state is total and the fight against criminals in our state must be won.
“We cannot, and we will not allow criminal elements to undermine the progress and prosperity we have worked so hard to achieve in our state,” Ododo stated.
The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to reverse the spate of inherited security challenges in the country.
He said : “As a government, we are in total support of Mr. President in his determination to take the fight to the terrorists in all parts of the county as we have seen in recent onslaughts to degrade cells of bandits and terrorists across Nigeria”.
Ododo assured President Tinubu that “we are fully committed to a comprehensive approach to address security challenges in the state and our country in general and we shall stand shoulder to shoulder with Mr. President to identify and bring remnant of these criminals and their sponsors to justice in no time.
“Mr President is aware of the strategic implications of any breach of security in Kogi as a gateway state to the North and the South and that is why he is giving us all the support required to ensure the security of lives and property in all corners of the state.”
The new addition to the State security master plan, Gov. Ododo disclosed will involve all security agencies feeding from the credible intelligence and direct community engagement with the people in the farms, markets, homes and every part of the community to ensure that the people are safe to engage in legitimate economic activities.
The governor commended the gallantry and dedication of the men and women of all the security agencies and vigilante services for their sacrifices in the line of duty, promised that his administration will remain grateful for their services in keeping the state and country safe.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
