Murder of 5 securty operatives in Kogi: Protesting Youths Rubbish Sponsor Claims As Ododo’s Deputy, Security Adviser Visit Egbe Community, Vows Justice After Bandits Attack
By Ralph Agbana
In a show of solidarity and reassurance, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has vowed that justice will be served for the fallen heroes and their families in the aftermath of the deadly bandit attack that claimed the lives of three police officers and two vigilante members in Egbe, Yagba West Local Council, last week.
Governor Ododo, represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, paid a condolence visit to Egbe on Saturday, where he described the assault as “a brutal attack on the peace and humanity of Kogi State.”
He pledged that government would intensify its security architecture to ensure such tragedies do not reoccur.
The visit by the governor’s emissaries came after the suspension of the three-day long youth protests that grounded the economy of the area, starting from the night of September 10th.
The grieving youths of the community who on Thursday bowed to pressures from the Senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Karimi and elders of the community to suspend their protests besieged the Egbe Central Palace on Saturday, demanding from the visitors explanations to the non deployment of security forces to the area five days after the incident, even as they await with bated breath the promises of stronger security by the state government to become a reality.
However, Ododo, in his condolence message read by the Deputy Governor, assured that the blood of the slain security operatives would not be shed in vain.
“We will not rest until those behind this heinous crime are tracked down, apprehended, and brought to justice”, he said.
The Governor outlined plans to boost collaboration with security agencies, reinforce community policing, and strengthen support for local vigilantes.
He noted that the sacrifices of the fallen officers will not be forgotten, and promised that their dependents will be catered for by the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid shielding criminals, and cooperate fully with security operatives. “Together, we will overcome. Together, we will send a clear message that Kogi State cannot be broken.”
In his remarks, State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), disclosed that many of the bandits infiltrating Kogi are fleeing from neighboring states.
He revealed that hideouts have already been identified, with plans underway—backed by the Federal Government and the National Security Adviser—to intercept and neutralize the criminals.
To fortify Egbe and other vulnerable communities, Omodara announced the proposed establishment of a Forward Operation Base (FOB).
He also warned collaborators and saboteurs within the community that government would deal with them decisively.
The Elegbe of Egbe and Chairman, Yagba West Traditional Council, Oba Ayodele Irukera, appealed for increased security presence, stressing that Egbe’s position as a border community makes it an easy target for attackers.
He explained that the three-day protests staged by locals were borne out of frustration over recurring insecurity. “It is inhuman for five people to be killed in just one day,” the monarch lamented.
The community youth leader, Olugbenga David, urged the state government to actively involve young people in its security strategy, recommending the deployment of trained forest guards to complement formal security agencies.
Chairman of the council, Tosin Olokun, commended the governor for the visit, describing the gesture as proof of a caring government that stands with its people during difficult times.
Meanwhile, the condolence visit was thrown into tension as the youths firmly rejected claims by the State Security, Jerry Omodara, that their protest against insecurity was politically sponsored.
Omodara, while reacting to the mass protest, described the demonstrations against incessant killings and attacks as “politically motivated,” alleging that unnamed politicians were behind the action.
He questioned the essence of the protest, saying: “They make a strike and somebody says, go to the road, block the road… What is the gain from blocking the road yesterday? Nothing.”
But his remarks sparked outrage among the demonstrators, who insisted their action was a genuine outcry for safety in the face of worsening insecurity.
