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Convenes emergency security meeting
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Says perpetrators will be dealt with
By Philip Nwosu
In a bid to restore peace and security in Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo convened an emergency security meeting in Lokoja to address the indigenes of Isanlu and the Fulani settlers following the alleged killing of a Fulani member.
The governor summoned the emergency security meeting to hear from both sides and take action to guarantee peace and security.
A statement by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, noted that the meeting aimed to forestall reprisal attacks that could endanger the community.
The commissioner explained that the meeting was successful, as both parties agreed to the governor’s call to embrace peace.
Fanwo revealed that the governor cut short his trip to Abuja, where he was to receive an award, to return to the state and address the “rising security tensions in Isanlu.”
He stated: “The Governor had a robust meeting with the people of Isanlu and the Fulanis yesterday at Government House, Lokoja, where he listened to their grievances and addressed them accordingly.
“He frowned upon a situation where people take the law into their hands by killing fellow humans, stating that such actions are unacceptable and that the perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law.
“He has directed that some traditional rulers in the affected areas be properly interrogated to uncover the root of the matter. Additionally, he has ordered the suspension of a particular traditional ruler due to his role in the incident.”
Fanwo added that the governor urged the leaders of the Isanlu community to warn their people against actions that could lead to insecurity in Yagba East and the entire Yagba Federal Constituency. He further tasked them with identifying and exposing criminal elements within their community, emphasising that his administration would pursue criminals regardless of tribe.
“The Governor, without mincing words, also challenged the leadership of the Isanlu community and its environs in Yagba East to educate their people on the need to avoid creating security threats in the area by taking the law into their hands.
“He specifically instructed them to stop harbouring criminals and to ensure that such elements are reported to and handed over to law enforcement agencies to curb insecurity,” Fanwo said.
According to the Commissioner, Governor Ododo assured residents of the state of his commitment to protecting everyone but stressed that no criminal would be spared.
The governor commended the Fulanis in the area for resisting the temptation to launch a reprisal attack following the unfortunate incident, thanking them for their maturity, understanding, and commitment to peace and security.
He also expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Fulani community in the state for supporting the administration’s security initiatives, acknowledging their documented efforts in maintaining peace and security.
The emergency security meeting was attended by top government officials, security agencies, community leaders, and representatives of the Fulani community in the area.
The Chairman of the Local Government Area, Hon. Dare Joshua, thanked the governor for his swift action in averting a major security breakdown in the area.