Tougher times await criminals in Kogi

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has promised criminals operating or intending to operate in the state to steer clear of the state because tougher times await them in the new year.

The Governor stated this on Friday in Lokoja during the armed forces rememberance in Kogi, shortly after he led other dignitaries to lay wreaths in honour the country’s fallen heroes who fought in the first and second world wars, the country’s civil war between 1967 – 1970 and other multinational crisis including civil wars in other African nations.

The Governor said modern method of fighting insecurity through improved intelligence gathering, tactical security approaches and others have been introduced in the state and that there would be no hiding place for any criminal irrespective of who they are.

He said whether resident, visitor or a passerby, his administration would not relent in its determination to halt all forms of criminality, adding that safety, security and peace of citizens and investments remain paramount to his government.

The Governor then made reference to the statistics released by the country’s Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which put Kogi ahead of other first-rate states in terms of foreign direct investments, saying it was as a result of efforts his administration has put into the sector.

Governor Bello applauded security agencies in the state for their sacrifices over the years, which he noted, resulted in changing the narrative of security situation in Nigeria, and enjoined them to sustain the synergy.

He used the occasion of the armed forces rememberance to appeal to the elites in the country to join in the war to free nation from the claws of insecurity, saying so much have been achieved by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to turn the tide of insecurity.

Compared to the situation preceding his administration, where sounds of bomb blast was a daily tragedy, President Buhari, he maintained, has shown honesty and courage in improving the nation’s security.

Highlights of the occasion was the supervision of guards of brigade by the Governor, laying of wreaths, both Islamic and Christian prayers for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased army officers, freeing of birds to signify peace and signing of register by the Governor.

InsideStoryNg