The Kogi State Government has reiterated its determination to intensify security operations across the state, assuring residents that efforts are ongoing to rescue individuals kidnapped by criminal groups and restore peace to affected communities.
The assurance was given on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, amid growing concerns over recurring bandit attacks, particularly in parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
Fanwo said security agencies were actively pursuing criminal elements and had launched coordinated operations aimed at dismantling their networks and freeing victims held in captivity.
His remarks followed a recent protest by residents of Kabba/Bunu, who staged a demonstration to draw attention to persistent insecurity in their communities. Protesters said repeated attacks had forced many villagers to flee their homes, leaving several settlements deserted.
Reacting to the protest, the commissioner acknowledged the fears and trauma faced by families of kidnapped victims, stressing that the state government was deeply concerned about their safety.
“We are fully aware of the pain and uncertainty families of abducted persons are going through. Their safety remains a top priority for this administration,” Fanwo said.
He added that Governor Yahaya Bello had committed substantial resources to strengthening the state’s security architecture, noting that preventive and intelligence-driven measures were being scaled up.
“The governor has made significant investments to ensure Kogi has the capacity to confront and neutralise criminal elements. We are making steady progress, and the security situation has improved compared to previous months,” he stated.
Fanwo also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and key security leaders, including the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, for their continued support in addressing insecurity in the state.
While affirming that peaceful protest is a constitutional right, the commissioner cautioned against actions that could undermine unity or introduce political motives into security-related issues.
“This is a time for collective action, not division. We must work together as a people to overcome this challenge,” he said.
The state government further commended individuals and stakeholders assisting security agencies, singling out the member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, for providing logistical support to security operations in his constituency.
“He has demonstrated genuine commitment by backing his words with action. We urge others to prioritise the safety of the people rather than politicising security concerns,” Fanwo added.
He warned that anyone found disrupting public order under the guise of protest, as well as those sponsoring such actions, would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
