The government of Kogi State is committed to the protection of lives and properties of the citizenry and residents, irrespective of tribal, religious, and political affiliations.
Governor Usmsn Ododo, who made this known at the distribution of kits to members of Nigeria Hunters Association in Lokoja, the state capital on Thursday said he would continue to lead the war against crime from the front vowing never to abdicate his duty.
The governor noted that the decision to recalibrate the security structure in the state was a direct result of the commendable effort of the hunters, vigilantes and other security agencies during the abduction of 31 students of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara.
He charged the hunters to remain professional by assisting other security agencies to free the state from crimes.
“My administration has adopted
Kinetics and non kinetic approach to ensure security of our people.
Kogites, we must protect ourselves. If we don’t do it, nobody will do it for us. Kogi State is not a free trade zone for criminals.
“When you see them, deal with them decisively. Criminals must be wiped out of our land. When you are coming with a criminal mind, we are ever ready to take you out. Once again, when you see criminals, deal with them” he warned.
“We are not new in this game, criminals must be wiped out of our land. We are good people and God knows why he created us as a people, Kogi State is blessed with numerous mineral deposits, if you want to trade with us, we are ready to trade with you.
“But if you are coming with criminal intention, we are ever ready to fish you out and deal with you decisively,” Mr Ododo warned.
“Our resolve to evolve a grassroots-led security approach and engage our hunters was amplified by their courageous and professional conduct during our rescue efforts that led to the release of 29 of the 31 Kidnapped students from CUSTECH.
Earlier in his address, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police Bertrand Onuoha disclosed that the items distributed is to assist conventional security agencies to combat insecurities. He said the use of hunters have become critical noting that it tallies with the ideals of community policing.
While expressing appreciation to the Kogi State Governor for his foresight in securing lives and properties, he directed district police officers and area commanders to synerguse with the hunters.
“All of us know the topography of Kogi State, which poses security challenges. All this we are seeing is in line with the Inspector General of Police on community policing.
“If all these security agencies are established without synergy, much will not be achieved. Am using this medium to call for the integration of all security agencies in the State. I have directed Area Commanders to always make use of vigilantes and hunters. When we harmonize, our services will be more interesting.
Onuoha advised members of the hunters association and vigilantes to always work in synergy with other security to nip in the bud criminal elements from Kogi State.
The state security adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara, charged the 1,050 hunters to make Kogi impenetrable to hudlums applauding their roles when the university was attacked.
Items distributed to the hunters included helmets, boots, and torchlight.
