Kogi: We know cause of insecurity in the state… criminals will be flushed out

The Kogi government says securing the people of the state is at the top of its agenda.

In a statement on Friday, Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for information and communication, said the recent security concerns spilled into Kogi from neighboring states.

The commissioner said Yahaya Bello, the governor, is putting measures in place to rid the state of criminals.

“We want to commend security agencies in the State for their doggedness and determination to restore Kogi’s heroics in the area of maintaining security of lives and property across the State. As a responsible Government, we see this as our number one mandate,” Fanwo said.

“In the last four years, the governor has made award-winning moves to curb insecurity and criminality such as the setting up of a joint force known as OPERATION TOTAL FREEDOM as well as the establishment of the Kogi State Vigilante Service; culminating in the drastic reduction in crime rate.

“In the last four years, there was only one attempted bank robbery which was foiled by our gallant security operatives.

“Government is not oblivious of the fact that recent security concerns are as a result of negative reactions and spills from our immediate neighbors. We however remain confident that our security architecture can effectively deal with the situation.

“At the State Executive Council Meeting of Wednesday 19th February, 2020; security issues topped the Agenda. To this end, Council has taken far reaching decisions that will ensure the security of our people.”

No fewer than 12 passengers of a commercial bus were reported kidnapped on Sunday in Itobe area of the state.

On Thursday, about four officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were kidnapped in Alo-Offoke community on the Itobe-Ayingba road.