Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has reiterated his administration’s strong commitment to bolstering the security and safety of residents across the state. Speaking at a high-profile meeting in Lokoja on Tuesday with members of the Vigilante Group and Professional Hunters, Governor Ododo underscored that security remains a top priority on his administration’s agenda. The Governor expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Vigilante Group and Professional Hunters for their tireless efforts in maintaining peace and protecting communities. He commended their dedication and acknowledged the positive impact of the government’s investment in security measures, noting that these collaborative efforts have yielded significant results. Governor Ododo also extended his thanks to National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the heads of various security agencies for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in stabilizing security in Kogi State. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing capable security leaders, contributing to national and state-level safety. State Security Commitment State Security Adviser Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd) spoke before the Governor, emphasizing that the administration’s commitment to security has been a deterrent to criminal activity. Omodara praised the courage and effectiveness of the Vigilante Group and highlighted the government’s adoption of a community-based security strategy. Collaboration with Professional Hunters Prof. Abdullahi Yau, representing the Professional Hunters, assured Governor Ododo of their ongoing collaboration with other security forces to combat crime. This assurance reinforces the collective effort to ensure Kogi State remains safe and secure. Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bethrand Onuoha, also lauded the Professional Hunters for their effectiveness and teamwork with traditional security agencies. Strengthened Security Operations Approximately 300 Professional Hunters have been actively working in Kogi State for over two months, complementing existing security frameworks to enhance public safety. Broad Government Support The meeting was attended by key government officials, local government chairmen, and the State Commissioner of Police, showcasing strong support for Governor Ododo’s security initiatives aimed at creating a safer Kogi State. READ ALSO:
Cameroon’s Yaoundé Two people have been taken into custody by Nigerian police on suspicion of being involved in the abduction of Father Thomas Oyode, the rector of Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School in Auchi Diocese, which is situated in Edo State in the nation’s troubled central-southern region. According to Edo State Police Commissioner Umoru Ozigi, who presented the suspects to the media on October 30, the suspects were helping the police find their accomplices. In an area where criminals are a major concern, he urged the populace to provide any information that could result in the arrest of criminals. According to a statement from Father Peter Egielewa, the diocese’s director of communications, Oyode was kidnapped Sunday night at the seminary at approximately 7:00 p.m., during evening prayers and benediction. He claimed that when the kidnappers abducted two seminarians at first, the rector requested them to let the students go and take him instead. Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, the institution’s rector, was kidnapped and taken into the forest. Nevertheless, until security measures surrounding the seminary are strengthened, the vice rector and every seminarian have been located, are safe, and have been temporarily moved to a secure location. Egielewa issued a statement saying, “Unfortunately, no communication has been had with the abductors yet.” According to unverified claims, the kidnappers are requesting a ransom of around $122,000. Crux never received a response to his requests for confirmation from the bishop. The new abduction underscores the escalating danger to Nigerian clergy and religious figures, who are typically seen as “soft targets.” As per a report Since 2009, almost 150,000 civilian deaths in Nigeria have been attributed to religious motivations, according to the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, or “Intersociety.” According to the research, which was released on February 14, since 2009, over 800 Christian communities have been targeted, and about 14 million Christians have been displaced and forced to leave their homes. “The targeting of Catholic clergy and Christians is part of a larger plan to Islamize the country,” Emeka Umeagbalassi, the Director of Intersociety, told Crux. He called the federal government “a wing of Fulani killers,” a reference to a predominantly Muslim ethnic group that is widely distributed throughout West Africa, including Nigeria, and accused it of discriminating against Christians. There are numerous butcher shops, disappearances and kidnappings occurring around the nation, and the security services are involved in these crimes,” Emeka stated. Abuja Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama claimed that the ongoing murders and abductions of Christians “have put the security agencies to shame.” Increased insecurity is still a problem for our country. Bandits, kidnappers, herders militias, Boko Haram insurgents, and the so-called “unknown gunmen” continue to incite fear in different parts of the country, Kaigama told Crux. He directly attacked the federal government for its inability to safeguard the populace, claiming that it is no longer able to stop violent offenders who terrify people in various sections of the nation at will. HURIWA, the Nigerian Human Rights Writers Association, has called on the federal government to take stronger measures to combat attacks on moderate Muslims, priests, and pastors who are increasingly becoming targets of Fulani herders, terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers. In order to obtain the release of pastoral agents, the Sokoto Diocese paid more than $37,200, according to Mathew Hassan Kukah, the diocese’s vocal bishop, last year. HURIWA said in a report last year that while there are legitimate concerns that these kidnappings amount to intentional persecution of Christianity, these worries seem to be overshadowed by the financial motivation. READ ALSO According to the report, additional criminals have been encouraged to carry out similar crimes since the government has not addressed the problem of priest kidnappings and murders. According to Christian Solidarity International’s Franklyne Ogbunwezeh, a senior researcher for Sub-Saharan Africa, criminal gangs may be motivated by financial gain to Jihadist forces who abduct clergy have a distinct goal: to drive Christians out of their communities, especially in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, in order to establish an Islamic caliphate. “Christian leaders who are well-known in their communities are abducted and killed by them, sometimes even after ransom has been paid. The purpose of this is to distance the community from its core, which will facilitate the destruction of such Christian communities,” he stated. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THIS We Love To Have You Back. Pease kindly Provide Us With Your Email.
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On Wednesday, the Edo State Special Taskforce on Anti-Cultism announced that certain individuals had been taken into custody in connection with the state’s recent violent altercation between members of the Vikings and Eiye fraternities. Chris Nehikhare, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, said this during a press conference in Benin City on Wednesday. However, Nehikhare, who is also on the taskforce, cautioned that the state does not have room for cultists or cult-related activities. In addition to cautioning cult organizations against upsetting the state’s tranquility, the Taskforce suggested that they either leave the state or face arrest. READ ALSO while denouncing the murders committed in several sections of the state by alleged cultists. He also mentioned the recent agitation on Sunday, October, by alleged cultists. Investigations were underway in Benin City on July 27, 2024, and some arrests had already been made. He also stated that efforts are being made to capture fugitive suspects and other important players. He stated: “The recent disturbance in Benin City by suspected cultists on Sunday, October 27, 2024, prompted concern from the Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism. “A number of arrests were made as part of the investigation into the violent confrontations between competing cult groups in Benin City, and attempts are still underway to capture more important players and evading suspects. The state’s vibrant indigenous population was lost as a result of the cult violence. According to preliminary investigations, the violence was caused by members of the Vikings and Eiye fraternities who were allegedly fighting for control of the affected area. “After obtaining The Edo State Special Task Force on Anti-Cultism promptly increased patrols and began a manhunt for the important leaders of the groups that were identified after receiving intelligence about the situation. “The task force’s prompt and well-coordinated response effectively contained the violence, averting possible escalation and additional bloodshed. “To prevent any resurgence of violence, patrol operations have also been reinforced in identified hotspots,” he stated. There would be no rest until all identified leaders and members implicated in the heinous atrocities are apprehended and brought to justice, the commissioner promised, assuring the public and Edo citizens that their lives and property will be safe.
