By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
A coalition of Igala socio-cultural organizations has called on Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to deploy drone technology in tackling the menace of bandits, kidnappers, and ritualists hiding in the state’s forests.
The Igala Cultural and Development Association (ICDA) and Ukomu Igala Organization (UIO) made the appeal in a joint statement issued after an emergency meeting on Monday in Lokoja.
Signed by Elder David Abuka and Col. Tijani Musa (rtd), the statement urged the governor to strengthen existing security operations by supporting the military with drones for aerial surveillance and ground operations.
The coalition noted that despite Governor Ododo’s “unwavering commitment” to safeguarding lives and property, criminal activities on highways and within forests across the state have continued to threaten residents.
“We know our governor has committed his energies and resources to the fight against internal and external criminals, especially armed bandits and kidnappers,” the statement read. “This is why we, at the community level, decided to complement government efforts by putting in place local security arrangements to support the police and army.”
The groups stressed that some state governments already use drone-assisted military operations to expose criminal hideouts, a strategy that has given security agencies an edge over bandits.
They further revealed that community security efforts had achieved limited success due to the absence of drones.
“Most times, kidnappers storm the highways, abduct passengers, and disappear into the forest. We often try in vain to trail them without drones,” said Col. Musa.
Also speaking, leaders of the Kogi East Neighborhood Watch (KENW) appealed for government intervention, noting that only the state can provide the resources and trained personnel needed for effective drone deployment.
They maintained that equipping the 12 Brigade troops with drone gadgets would significantly boost results in the ongoing fight against insecurity.