'Fetch out culprits of new Kogi killings within seven days or I show you exit doors', Gov Bello tells LG administrators, traditional rulers, other stakeholders »

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has given a 7-day ultimatum to local government administrators, traditional rulers and the state security adviser to fish out the culprits of the recent killings in some parts of kogi state or risk their jobs.

Governor Bello gave the ultimatum on Tuesday at a stakeholders meeting with monarchs, heads of security agencies, farmers, herdsmen and other stakeholders in Government House, Lokoja in an effort to unearth the root causes of the recent killings in Yagba East, Omala and Dekina Local Government Areas of Kogi State.

“We must set good examples. If you’re failing in your primary responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of your immediate communities, then there is an issue for concern,” he told the administrators and monarchs.

“You have seven days to coordinate, collaborate, fish and turn out these culprits from wherever they are hiding in your domains, to stem the tide of farmers/headers crisis or I strip everyone of you whose communities are affected of your jobs.

“Kogi State is known for peace and my government has given its best to ensure peace and tranquility are maintained. For those of you who think you can be used to cause mayhem in our state, we shall fish everyone of you out and make you to face the full wrath of the law,” he added.

He reassured the people of Kogi State of his administration’s commitment to continue to work in synergy with security agencies to ensure the state remains safe for citizens to thrive and investors to do business.

“I want to reassure the good people of Kogi State, that my administration will continue to do the needful in order for Kogi to remain one of the safest states. My government has been tactical and strategic about the issue of security. We will sustain our partnership and synergy with all the security agencies, traditional rulers for sustained peace and tranquility.

“He who seeks equity must come with clean hands. This is a heinous crime, more than 10 human lives are gone, were they killed in the process of grazing? No. They were only passing-by, in transit from reports and were killed. Under my watch, we shall not condone innocent killings, we will unravel and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

“I apologise to the Fulani people who have been living peacefully with us and were murdered in cold blood to please forgive and do not take laws into their hands by engaging in reprisal attacks.”

While calling on citizens to be security conscious and make available useful information that could further help security agencies track and espionage criminal elements around, Governor Bello warned those fomenting trouble to desist and called for patience.

He cautioned the people of Kogi Central who are interested in the Imam position to remain calm and place the peace of the land above personal interest, noting that the government cannot afford to elect a new Imam at this critical point in time and as such the acting Imam, Alhaji Salihu Abere should continue in the acting capacity.

“The situation on ground is very tense, I encourage every faction to sheathe their swords, let’s keep the tranquility of all Okene residents above any personal ambition, the acting Imam Alhaji Abere will continue to lead until a credible leader is installed.”

The State Security Adviser, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara (RTD) warned Kogi citizens to desist from taking laws into their hands as anyone found wanting would be prosecuted.

Omodara explained that the government swung into action the moment they wind is got wind of the information and proactive measures were taken to curb the situation and expressed appreciation to security agencies for their roles.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Edward Onoja who described the incident as an unusual happening and a premeditated attempt to portray the state in a bad light, urged security agents to be up their game and nip in the bud the ugly incidence.

“Kogi State Government is known for its good job in the area of security.
People don’t need to set Kogi ablazed in the interest of politics, no matter the person involved in this ugly act bring them to book. There are laws guiding all actions, security officials do your jobs, deal with this situation as it is brewing its ugly head,” he concluded.

In their separate remarks, the Command Army Records, Major General Elvis Njoku and the Kogi Police Commissioner, Hakeem Busari assured of their agencies compliance to ensure normalcy was restored to those communities, explaining that some arrest have been made and investigations was ongoing.

The meeting drew stakeholders, traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, Fulani herdsmen, farmers and the administrators of the 21 local government areas.