Insecurity in Kogi linked to spillover from Northeast, Northwest

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has said that some of the security problems in the state are caused by criminals running away from military attacks in the troubled Northeast and Northwest parts of Nigeria.

The governor disclosed this in Abuja on Friday when he visited the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He explained that Kogi’s location, which borders 10 other states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), makes it vulnerable to infiltration by criminal elements.

“Kogi State is not a fertile land or a free destination for criminals. We are dealing with them decisively. They are hearing it, we don’t make noise.

“They always come in their numbers, but they go in their zeros. They will come with their handset ringing, but as soon as they step their leg in Kogi State, that number will never be available. We are dealing with them.” Ododo said.

He added that the ongoing military pushback in other parts of the country is forcing some criminals to run into Kogi forests, but the state government is working hard to stop them.

He said the recent increase in criminals entering the state is due to military attacks in the Northeast and Northwest, which are forcing them to run into the forests.

He added that only criminals would choose to hide and live in the forest.

Governor Ododo also pointed out that the underuse of the state’s rich natural and agricultural resources is contributing to insecurity.

“In Kogi State, we have over 32 mineral deposits in commercial quantities, but they have never worked for our dear state. We have arable land that is good for any kind of crops, but it has never been put to use,” he said.

He called on Nigerians to join hands with the government to address insecurity in the country.