By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
KOGI State Government has reaffirmed its avowed commitment to sustained the on-going crackdown on criminal elements across the state, assuring residents of its decisive efforts to restore peace and rescue kidnap victims.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who gave the assurance in a statement on Sunday in Lokoja said security agencies are actively on the trail of the criminals.
He revealed that the security agencies tracking the whereabouts of criminals, with major operations already underway to free victims from captivity.
According to him, government fully understands the trauma being faced by families of kidnapped persons and remains deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of all victims.
“We understand the trauma faced by families of kidnapped victims. We are also very concerned about their well-being. The Governor has invested heavily in ensuring the state possesses the capacity to crush criminal elements”, he said.
Fanwo expressed the state government’s appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support, as well as the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs.
He also applauded the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their relentless backing in the fight against crime in Kogi State.
The Commissioner noted that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is currently investing more in preventive security measures, stressing that the government remains determined to ensure the rescue of every Kogite in the hands of criminals.
“We will make sure every Kogite in their hands is rescued. We also sympathise with families that have lost loved ones. We are making progress and the security situation has improved significantly,” he added.
While acknowledging that peaceful protest against insecurity is lawful, the Commissioner cautioned that such actions must be devoid of political colouration.
“We can’t afford to be divided as a people at this moment. We must come together to continue to win this war,” he added.
The State Government also commended individuals and stakeholders who are cooperating with security agencies and supporting government efforts to combat violent crime.
Fanwo specifically praised the Member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Leke Abejide, for providing logistics to support security operations in his constituency.
“He has put his money where his mouth is by matching words with actions. The Kogi State Government appreciates his great show of support and calls on others to defend the people instead of playing politics with security,” he said.
He warned that individuals who disturb public peace under the guise of protest, as well as their sponsors, would be made to face the full weight of the law. (Ends)
