Itobe-Anyigba Road: Kogi Orders Stronger Security »

Kogi State Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu, has directed security agencies to strengthen operations along the Itobe-Anyigba road following renewed reports of kidnapping and other security challenges along the corridor.

Salifu gave the directive during a high-level security meeting held at his residence in Ejule on Sunday with heads of security agencies, traditional rulers and community representatives from affected areas.

The meeting brought together Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Kogi State, DCP Sadisu Umar Tafida; Commander, 21 Army Battalion Ogidibeje, Lt. Col. Godiya Solomon Monday; the Idah Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force; Dekina Area Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; Ofu DSS officials; Community Watch and Neighbourhood Watch representatives; vigilante heads and other security stakeholders.

The Deputy Governor said the meeting was convened on the instruction of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to obtain firsthand information on the security situation along the Itobe-Ajegwu-Olaidebu-Ojodu-Ochadamu-Anyigba axis and develop measures to address emerging threats.

He said the Itobe-Anyigba road remained “an area of concern” to the administration, stressing the need to identify security gaps and find lasting solutions.

According to him, the government would not allow criminal elements to take control of the route, assuring commuters that efforts were being made to improve security along the corridor.

Salifu also disclosed that he cut short an official overseas engagement after receiving reports of the security situation and returned to coordinate response efforts.

He commended security personnel for their efforts and offered prayers for the repose of officers and other security personnel who recently lost their lives in the line of duty.

The Deputy Governor called for stronger cooperation between communities and security agencies, particularly through the provision of timely and credible information that could help security operatives prevent attacks and apprehend suspected criminals.

He also warned criminal elements operating in the area to desist or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.

Earlier, the Chairman of Ofu Local Government Area, Hon. Mohammed Lawal Musa, described security as the responsibility of everyone and urged residents to provide relevant information to security agencies.

Lawal said information available to the local government indicated that criminal activities along the corridor involved alleged participation by foreigners aided by some indigenes of communities in the area.

He warned alleged collaborators to desist from such activities or face legal consequences, while assuring commuters that ongoing efforts were being made to make the road safer.

The Itobe-Anyigba route is a major link between Kogi East and Lokoja and also serves as a gateway towards the South-East.

The security meeting is expected to strengthen coordination among security agencies, communities and other stakeholders in response to renewed kidnapping concerns along the corridor and efforts to restore commuters’ confidence.