Kogi State Governor, Usman Ahmed Ododo, has linked rising insecurity in the North Central region to the spillover of terrorists fleeing military operations in the North East and North West.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, June 20, after meeting with the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee in Abuja, Ododo said the pressure from military offensives in the northern regions had forced criminals to relocate into states like Kogi.
“The recent influx of criminals, I call them criminals, because a normal human being cannot stay in the forest. The influx of these criminals is the result of the pushback from the North East and North West,” the governor said.
The military has intensified its campaign against terrorism in the two northern zones, prompting reports that some fighters are escaping the heat by moving into nearby regions.
Ododo’s comments come just two days after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Benue State to sympathise with residents following the mass killing in Yelwata on June 13.
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Despite the challenges, the Kogi governor maintained that his administration had been firm in its response to attacks on communities in the state.
“Security issues or strategy is not something to discuss in the public. But I can tell you, we are dealing with them decisively. They are hearing it. We don’t make noise,” he said.
“They always come in their numbers, but they go in their zeros. They will come with their hand set ringing, but as soon as they step their leg in Kogi State, that number will never be available. We are dealing with them.”
He assured the public that his government remains committed to defending lives and livelihoods.
“We are very comfortable. We have signed to protect the lives and livelihoods of our people. And as such, that is what we are doing in Kogi State. So be rest assured that in terms of security, we are there.”