By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
KOGI State Government has called on citizens, Media stakeholders, and political actors to avoid politicizing the state’s security challenges as it reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating insecurity.
Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, who disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Lokoja said politicizing security challenges was capable of spreading fear in the polity.
Fanwo revealed that the government is quietly but effectively recording progress in its fight against criminal elements, particularly kidnappers, within the state.
“These gains are not coincidental. They result from well-planned strategies and deep institutional engagements aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of every Kogite.”
While sympathizing with families affected by recent attacks, the Commissioner stressed that such incidents should not be used to spread misinformation or panic.
“Misinformation and alarmist narratives only embolden criminals and demoralize communities. We call on opinion leaders and the media to work with us, not against us”, he said.
The Commissioner also condemned what he described as, “the Politicization of Insecurity by certain desperate politicians,” warning that such behaviour undermines the collective fight against crime.
“Those who brought medicines whose side effects are worse than the ailments should not raise frivolous alarms when the right medicines are administered”, the statement noted.
According to credible intelligence, the rise in security threats in parts of Kogi is linked to regional shifts, especially as intensified security operations in the North East and North West have forced criminal elements to migrate toward the North Central, including Kogi.
He said that despite the challenges, the State Government had emphasized its efforts in deploying advanced security infrastructure, strengthening intelligence gathering, and fostering community engagement.
“Our duty is not to spread fear but to inspire hope. And we are not just speaking hope, we are delivering it through action.”
According to the Commissioner, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, remains fully committed to prioritizing security without politicizing it.
“We are taking responsibility, not shifting blame,” the Commissioner said, urging politicians to focus on performance, not panic.
He urged politicians to focus on performance as a tool for re-election rather than raising panic, saying performers do not fear reelection.
The government, he said, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), the National Security Adviser, service chiefs, and local security outfits such as the Vigilante Service and Hunters Group for their unwavering support.
“Let us not propagate propaganda for criminals. Let us work together to defeat fear and inspire hope”, he implored. (Ends)