Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Thursday distributed security equipment to 1,050 hunters to fight crime and illegalities in the state.
Speaking at the distribution event of the gadgets, the Governor expressed his administration’s resolve to deal firmly with anyone seeking to disrupt the residents of Kogi State.
He vowed that Kogi State would never become a breeding ground for criminals, stressing that all must work together to flush out enemies of the state.
He enjoined the hunters to support other security agencies in making the state crime-free and remain professional.
“My administration has adopted kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to ensure the security of our people. Kogi people, we must protect our own. If we do not protect ourselves, no one will. Kogi State is not a free trade zone for criminals.”
“If you see them, deal with them decisively. Criminals must be flushed out of our country. If you come into our country with a criminal mind, we are always ready to remove you. I say again, if you see criminals, deal with them,” he warned.
Speaking ahead of the speech, Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Mr Bertrand Onuoha, disclosed that the supplies were meant to assist traditional security agencies in the state in the fight against insecurity.
The Commissioner, while expressing appreciation to the Kogi State Governor for his foresight in ensuring the security of lives and property, said, “We all know that the terrain of Kogi State poses security challenges, all this we are seeing is in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s community policing policy.”
“If these security agencies are established without synergy, not much will be achieved. I am using this instrument to call for the integration of all security agencies in the state. I have directed area commanders to always utilise vigilantes and hunters. If we are in harmony, our services will be more interesting.”
Onuoha advised members of hunting associations and vigilante groups to always work in coordination with other security outfits to forestall criminal elements in Kogi State.
He urged them to always do their best to protect law-abiding residents of Kogi State.