Community Policing: Gov. Ododo restates commitment to renew onslaught against criminals »

…Inaugurates new operational vehicles, motorcycles for Vigilantes groups across Kogi state.

Kogi state Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has restated his government’s commitment towards a renewed onslaught against criminals across communities in Kogi state adding that no antics would deter his administration’s efforts to keep the state safe and make it more attractive for investors and legitimate businesses from all over the world.

The governor made this known on Friday during the official handing over of 105 operational vehicles and 42 motorcycles to the kogi state vigilantes. He said such efforts by his government would provide 24 hours response by a joint team of vigilante service men and conventional security agencies thereby enhancing intelligence gathering and shorter response time to distress calls.

According to the governor, Security, remains the responsibility of every citizen, admonishing the people not to lower their guard at any with regards to environmental consciousness assuring that with the cooperation of the people with the government it would be easier for the state and even the country to overcome the challenges of insecurity and emerge stronger.

The governor stated “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 instalment 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”.

He hinted that for his administration to achieve the objectives of its programmes and policies, Kogi State must remain safe and secure for everyone.

Gov. Ododo expressed that 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 the environment remain 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”.

The Governor used the occasion to commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for his unwavering commitment to reverse the spate of inherited security challenges in the country.

He noted that as a government, they totally support Mr. President in his determination to take the fight to the terrorists in all parts of the county as seen in recent onslaughts to degrade cells of bandits and terrorists across Nigeria. Gov. Ododo promised President Tinubu that Kogi state was fully committed to a comprehensive approach to address security challenges in the State and by extension the country, while promising to stand shoulder to shoulder with President Tinubu to identify and bring remnant of these criminals and their sponsors to justice earnestly.

According to him, 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, hence he is giving us all the support required to ensure the security of lives and property in all corners of the state.

Governor Ododo emphasised that the new addition to the State security master plan would 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 would continue to look into their welfare and ensure that what was needed for their full performance is always provided.

The state’s security adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara stated that as mentioned that security as well as crime and criminality remained community based hence making adequate security logistics available at the grassroots is a solid way of solving the central problem of insecurity

He said what the state governor recognises is that you must adequately safeguard the Local government areas as well as at the communities within it hence the state decided to take a bottom up approach to ensure that it provides operational vehicles and motor bikes to the vigilantes service.