Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State says bandits’ commanders have relocated to Kogi state in an attempt to intensify attacks, but that the government and security agencies will take the fight to their hideouts.

The governor said this during an interactive session with newsmen shortly after an emergency stakeholders’ meeting with security agencies, and traditional rulers at the Government House, Lokoja, on Thursday,

He said the situation was not peculiar to Kogi as other parts of the country were passing through a trying period.

He noted that certain measures had been taken in the interest of residents, regardless of religious or political affiliations.

“Before now, you will hear of shooting in schools and residents across the world… we have to put heads together to save our people. We have come to brainstorm and see a way out and provide our people with the needed security.

“The major commanders of the bandits have relocated to Kogi State in the last three days, but we will not wait for them to fight us; we will take the fight to them.

“We are not going to bow to the criminals; we are not going to negotiate with them; we are not going to pay ransom; we are going to sensitise our people to be security conscious of their activities.”

The governor added that the State Security Council had resolved that from now on, all public activities, be it religious or social, should end by 4pm until further notice.

He warned that any event centre that violates the directive would be demolished.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ayo Edun, called for calm, saying most of the circulating reports fuelling panic were social media rumours.

He urged residents to verify information before sharing it and report suspicious activity through circulated security hotlines.

The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Highness Tijani Anaje, speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, pledged full cooperation with government and security agencies.

He expressed concern over wrong and misleading information spreading online, noting that some videos and messages circulating on social media were false.

He called for strategic collaboration among all community leaders to ensure peace across the state.

Meanwhile, the State Government has assured the public, especially students, parents, and residents of Lokoja, that there is no bandit attack or kidnapping threat at the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, or at any other school within and around the Lokoja metropolis on Thursday.

“The satanic panic being circulated by mischief makers is baseless and should be completely dismissed.

“We urge our people to go about their lawful businesses without fear. Government is working round the clock with all security agencies to guarantee the safety and security of every Kogite wherever they live or stay,” said Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications in a statement.

Rumour of bandits’ attack in the Lokoja metropolis spread widely around 11.30am on Thursday, leading to disruptions of socio-economic activities for hours in Lokoja, particularly at the Zango, Crusher and Felele end of the capital city. (Daily Trust)