Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has declared that his administration will sustain its offensive against banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality until the remaining criminal elements are completely flushed out of the state.
Ododo made the declaration in Kabba during a political rally organised by the former Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Prince Matthew Kolawole to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the governor and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Represented at the event by his Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodare, the governor said his administration was combining military and law-enforcement operations with non-kinetic measures to address insecurity.
He disclosed that some criminal groups operating in the state had begun expressing interest in surrendering, but stressed that any surrender arrangement must include the release of all persons being held captive.
“Our kinetic and non-kinetic approach is working. We are decimating the criminal elements in our land. Some of them have expressed their desire to surrender unconditionally.
“But we are also saying that they must free everyone in their custody. I can tell you that they are already doing that,” he said.
The governor called on residents of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency to continue supporting government policies and programmes, particularly those targeted at strengthening security and improving infrastructure.
He also appealed to the electorate to support the re-election bids of President Tinubu, himself and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections.
Speaking earlier, the convener of the rally and former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Prince Mathew Kolawole, said the event provided an avenue for stakeholders in Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu to evaluate the performance of the Tinubu administration at the federal level and the Ododo administration in Kogi State.
Kolawole said the Federal Government had implemented a number of initiatives in education, infrastructure, security, as well as youth and women empowerment.
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He cited the students’ loan scheme as one of the interventions capable of easing the financial challenges associated with tertiary education, while also commending federal empowerment programmes targeting young people and women.
The former Speaker also highlighted the reconstruction of the Kabba-Egbe-Ilorin road, describing it as a strategic project for Okunland because of its potential to improve transportation, ease the movement of agricultural products and boost commercial activities across Kogi, Kwara and neighbouring states.
He added that the Federal Government had approved the construction of the Lokoja-Abuja and Kabba-Ekiti roads, alongside an airport project for Kogi State.
Kolawole commended the appointment of people from Okunland and other parts of Kogi State to federal positions, saying such appointments would provide opportunities for them to contribute to national development.
Assessing the state government, he said the Ododo administration had prioritised security, workers’ welfare, infrastructure, education and human capital development.
According to him, collaboration between the state government, security agencies and community-based security structures had strengthened efforts to protect communities in Okunland and other areas affected by security challenges.
Kolawole further praised the regular payment of salaries and pensions by the state government, noting that prompt payment of workers’ entitlements had a positive effect on families and the local economy.
He identified the development of Kogi State University, Kabba, as another major project with significance for Kogi West, saying the institution would increase access to tertiary education while creating economic opportunities for residents.
He also commended the state government’s payment of WASSCE and NECO examination fees for students in public schools, describing the policy as an important intervention for parents.
The former Speaker said various youth and women empowerment initiatives had also been introduced by the state government to provide residents with skills, economic opportunities and support.
He listed the proposed internal market around Zone 8 in Lokoja and the airport project among developments that could further stimulate economic activities in the state.
Kolawole, however, stressed the need for sustained accountability and public scrutiny of government programmes and projects, saying political leadership should ultimately be judged by its impact on the people.
He urged residents to participate actively and peacefully in governance, monitor public projects and engage constructively in the political process.
At the rally, Kolawole called on the people of Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu to endorse President Tinubu, Governor Ododo and other APC candidates for second terms.
He said the collective aspiration of the people should be to build a safer, more prosperous and developed Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, Kogi State and Nigeria.
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