Ododo Forms Security Committee in Omala Local Government
Following the recent invasion by Fulani herdsmen, Kogi State Governor Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo announced on Sunday the formation of a committee to advise the state government on how to effectively restore the safety and security of people’s lives and property in the Omala Local Government Area of the state.
The committee will be chaired by Barrister Deedat Ozigis, the state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chiefancy Affairs, and will include representatives from all local government districts, security agencies, and other pertinent parties. Ododo made the announcement after receiving a delegation of important stakeholders from the local government in Abuja.
The governor asserts that the state administration has zero tolerance for the actions of bandits and other criminal elements since it is dedicated to preserving the lives and property of all Kogites.
He pledged that the situation will be handled urgently and praised the Omala Local Government residents for taking the initiative to convene and offer suggestions for the future.
In order to carry out his people-centered initiatives, Ododo asked for the support and collaboration of the majority of Kogites, pointing out that the days of politics were finished and that the current period is one of governance.
The presentation of the report from the Committee of Traditional Rulers appointed by His Majesty, the Attah Igala, on the Bagana Crisis, and the communiqué released by the stakeholders in the Omala Local Government following their meeting in Lokoja were the highlights of the occasion.
COMMUNIQUE RELEASED AFTER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024, OMALA STAKEHOLDERS MEETING IN LOKOJA.
(Presented on Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Abuja to the Governor)
• Among other things, the stakeholders decided to applaud His Excellency for his concern about the security situation in Omala Local Government Area and for acting quickly to reestablish public confidence and security.
• That even though we acknowledge that everyone has the right to freedom of movement, including the herdsmen, the alleged agreement that the Fulani herdsmen entered into, which has allowed them to continue to rebel against the local government and kill people and destroy farm products in the process, was made without sufficient consultation and does not accurately reflect the views of the people.
• That the Caretaker Chairman should immediately revoke the “Code of Conduct” given to the aforementioned Fulani herdsmen using the same channels of communication that he has already established. This is especially important since planting season is approaching and our farmers must cultivate their lands, which will not be possible with the herdsmen present who have a penchant for destroying and consuming our farm products.
• That a request be made to His Excellency, the Executive Governor, to assist in the construction of an Army and Navy military base in Bagana in order to prevent criminal activity that has transformed a section of Kogi State into a battlefield for personal gain.
• That a request be made to His Excellency to take into account the implementation of the Bagana issue report from the Committee of Traditional Leaders appointed by His Majesty, the Attah Igala. We think this has the potential to resolve the tensions that have prevented the indigenous people from living in the commercial center in the long run.
• That the residents of Omala Local administration Area should always uphold the law and pledge their unwavering support and devotion to the Kogi State administration at all times.