Hon. Iko-Ojo presides over elaborate security meeting in Ibaji, issues directives »

In line with the directive issued by Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello to Local Government Chairmen across the twenty one local government area of the state in ensuring criminals of all sorts are smoked out from the nooks and crannies of the state, the chairman of Ibaji local government area swiftly held a joint meeting with critical Ibaji stakeholders to that effect.

The meeting which was held yesterday at the local government headquarters in Onyedga, was presided over by the chairman of the Local Government Council, hon. Williams Iko-Ojo with Chief John Eqwemi, Chairman Ibaji Traditional Council, all his Council members and other critical stakeholders in attendance.

The meeting elaborated on security strategies, collaborations and preemptive measures to forestall any possible leeway at exercising terror via the local government’s borders and within.

Ibaji local government area of the state is sensitively pivotal in the state security stability due to its multiple border status with other neighboring states of the federation. It shares border with four states of the federation: Anambra, Enugu, Edo, Delta from the Ujeh, Odeke, Obale flank. This is relatively a security burden. However, the security architecture put in place coupled with the indigenes’ mastery of the terrine, border crime has been very minimal.

In a proactive move to improve security of the area, the Chairman has issued directives that residents on the islands who are relatively isolated and could become soft targets or acting as cover to criminals must vacate those abodes with immediate effects. This is applicable to those who do fishing as occupation and have made the river bank their dwelling place. He noted that the pattern of recent attacks by criminals make Islands and river banks vulnerable scenes and banner for crime.

The chairman charged Ibaji youths to uphold their reputation for civility and be law abiding to ensure terror is not given any form of oxygen through concious vigilance against invaders.

Brothels are very infamous as a shield for criminals and terror. With this knowledge, the chairman ordered all brothels be shut down and activities prohibited forthwith in the entire local government. This is to ensure there is no hidden place for criminals within the local government under his watch.

The communities in the riverine areas of the local government are further charged to up their radar of vigilance on any suspicious movements or strange faces within their area. Strategies to monitor water banks at odd times where boats anchor must be deliberate to nip crime at its birth stage within the area.

“It’s on record Kogi State is among the most peaceful and safe states of the federation with landslide achievements in nipping criminality in the bud. Everything within our powers must be deployed to sustain this achievement of governor Yahaya Adoza Bello” the chairman said.

The chairman assures the good people of Ibaji Local Government of the safety of their lives and properties as this is the principal commitment of the New Direction government and it will never be reneged on.