Insecurity: Ododo Warns Traditional Rulers Against Indiscriminate Sale Of Lands
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has warned traditional rulers in the state against arbitrary sale of lands within their domains.
According to the governor, his administration has also resolved to revoke all lands sold without the approval of the state government.
The warning was handed over the weekend during the official handover of the newly constructed and furnished Military Forward Operating Base on the outskirts of Egbe, Yagba West Local Council, Kogi State.
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The facility, comprising a 94-bed hostels, two hilux vans and other necessary fittings, was built by the Senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Karimi to assist security agencies in combating banditry and kidnapping in the forests around the Kwara-Kogi border.
One of the problems identified as direct causes of the spread of kidnapping in Okun area is the sale of lands to settlers from the core northern states for business purposes, including the establishment of Kara (cow) markets.
The trading centres allowed the influx of miscreants in their large numbers to operate freely in and around the various communities.
Agreements on the buying and selling of the lands are reportedly based on negotiations between traditional rulers and the merchants, mostly Fulani without the involvement of the relevant agencies of the state government.
Governor Ododo who was represented by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), said the state government has resolved to revoke any land found to have been sold to settlers without government approval.
“I thank traditional rulers, the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi for leading well other traditional rulers in Okun Area Traditional Council, the Elegbe of Egbe Oba Ayodele Irukera and other traditional rulers working closely with security agencies.
“We seek from you credible and timely information for us to overpower and conquer banditry in Kogi State. Let me however warn that traditional rulers must check their environment and stop arbitrary sale of lands in their communities and the state will soon come in to revoke various lands that were sold without the approval of the state. This is eaten deep into our security architecture in Kogi State”.
The Governor expressed his appreciation to the community and Senator Karimi for keying in into the vision of his security conscious administration.
“Senator Karimi, I urge you not to relent in your good effort. The people are feeling your impact. Continue the good work for the people of Kogi West. I say loudly that the state is proud of you”, the Governor said, noting that governance can only be better in an atmosphere of peaceful environment.
The Governor said, “We invested heavily in neighbourhood watch through our local hunters and vigilantes therefore senator Karimi has properly keyed into the vision of my administration by the construction of the Forward Operating Base thereby fulfilling the trust and confidence of the people reposed in him. I thank Senator Karimi for this wonderful initiative in the fulfilment of his constituency responsibilities.
“Kogi State experienced an influx of crimes and criminality, especially bandits, which resulted from several military operations in the North West. No doubt Kogi West senatorial district is facing this challenge. The pressure in Yagba West and Yagba East, Kabbabunu and Ijumu Local Government Areas in particular is much as some identified criminals camps are within the neighbourhoods.
“The kidnapped CUSTECH, Osara students were rescued within the neighbourhood of this local government in Kwara State. Therefore the establishment of this Forward Base will serve to form a check to influx (of bandits and kidnappers) into Kogi State, provide the necessary safety for our people and also allow the Nigerian Army take firm control of the security of this area including Yagba East and beyond.
“The FOB will also allow a collaborative effort and synergy of security agencies to both check and collaborate with Kwara State security agencies. Therefore, the government through the 12 Brigade will synergize with this operating base. I, therefore, call on the GOC 2 Mechanized Division, Nigerian Army to please quickly take over, make the deployment of personal and equipment to the base for the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army to have effective patrol of the area. My government will give all the necessary support for the take-off of this FOB by providing logistics support”.
