Okun Summit: Unity Key to Enhancing Security in Okunland
By Samuel Temiloluwa
The State Security Adviser to the Government of Kogi State, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), has emphasized that unity and good leadership are crucial to enhancing security in Okunland.
He made this remark while presenting a paper on securing Okunland at the Okun Nation’s Summit.
Commander Omodara stressed the importance of focusing on the collective interest of the people and resources available on the land.
He noted that external parties are more interested in extracting the region’s resources than buying the land, highlighting the need for careful management and regulation of resources.
The Security Adviser commended the National Security Adviser for ensuring peace and stability in the area.
He also praised the state government under Governor Usman Ododo for working closely with the federal government, stressing that the recent deployments of capital assets, including drones and helicopters, have yielded significant success in various locations in the state
Commander Omodara suggested empowering at least 500 Okun youths with sustainable skills to contribute to the region’s development.
He emphasized the need for stakeholders to work together to create impactful projects that benefit the youth and promote collective progress.
Commander Omodara (rtd) urged the people of Okunland to maintain the momentum generated by the summit and work together to address challenges facing the region, pointed out that by promoting unity, leadership, and collective progress, the region can create a brighter future for itself and future generations.
Details of paper presented below:
UNITY AND SECURITY: LAND, LEADERSHIP, AND BANDITRY
Delivered by Commander Duro Jerry Omodara FSS, MSS, MSc (Rtd), the State Security Adviser to Kogi State Government At the Okun Nation’s Summit Held in Kabba, Kogi State. Date: 31st May, 2025.
Protocols
Honourable Members of the National and State Assemblies,
Chairmen of the five (5) Local Government Areas,
The Obaro of Kabba and all our esteemed traditional rulers,
Distinguished sons and daughters of Okun land,
Leaders of thought, community heads, youth and women representatives,
Gentlemen of the press,
Ladies and gentlemen:
I stand before you today not just in my official capacity as the State Security Adviser to the Kogi State Government, but as a proud son of Okun Land, deeply committed to the safety, unity, and progress of our people. This is more than just a lecture, it is personal. It is the future of my people. This Summit is a testament to our collective resolve to confront the challenges of insecurity and to chart a path toward lasting peace and prosperity for Okun land. The topic before us – Unity and Security: Land, Leadership, and Banditry – touches the soul of our present struggle and the core of our shared aspirations.
Security as the Foundation of Development
There is no progress without security. No investor will come where kidnappers roam freely. No farm can flourish when fear drives farmers from their fields. No child can learn in a school when the roads are unsafe.
Over the past year, Okun land and indeed Kogi State have witnessed an alarming escalation in criminal activities. Bandits have terrorized our communities, disrupting farming activities, kidnapping our people, and instilling fear among our citizens. From Agbaja to Apaa to Kabba to Egbe, to Ogbe, to Odo-Ade, no part of our land has been spared. These criminals, often armed and organized, have exploited our peaceful disposition, turning our homes into zones of terror.
Some of the root causes include; the several clearance operations in the North West pushed many of the bandits to North Central, presence of large forested areas in Okun land bordering other troubled regions (like Niger, Kwara, and parts of Nassarawa), provides hideouts and easy movement for armed groups. Influx of non-indigenous groups or displaced populations, some with criminal intentions, into rural areas without proper monitoring. Today, we have some known/confirmed bandits on our land.
In response to this threat, the Kogi State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo FCA, has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards criminality. We have intensified security operations, engaged local hunters/ vigilantes, and collaborated with federal security agencies to dismantle these criminal networks. The office of the National Security Adviser has regularly taken proactive participation through deployment of capital assets including; drones, and helicopters to assist the State. Likewise, we have solid synergy among the security agencies in the State, fighting the threats.
The Government’s Response: A Multi-Tiered Strategy
Under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo FCA, Kogi State has remained firm in its resolve: we will not negotiate with bandits, we will not pay ransom to bandits and we will not yield an inch of our land to lawlessness.
To combat the menace of banditry, the state government has implemented several strategic measures:
Several clearance operations are being conducted, with coordinated security forces raiding bandit camps across key flashpoints within the Western Senatorial District, including Mopamuro, Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba West and Lokoja Local Government Areas. These operations led to significant disruptions in the activities of criminal groups, though not without cost, as some security operatives, hunters/vigilantes paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Recognizing that security is a collective responsibility, we have called upon residents, especially in rural communities, to actively support the State’s security architecture by volunteering credible intelligence. This grassroots involvement is crucial in identifying and apprehending criminal elements. Without credible local intelligence, even the best-trained force will struggle. Your information saves lives!
Understanding that insecurity transcends state boundaries, and recognizing our borders with Niger, Nassarawa, Kwara, Benue, Ondo and Ekiti as potential infiltration points, we have ramped up inter-state collaboration to neutralize cross-border crime. Joint operations and intelligence sharing are vital in combating cross-border criminal activities. We equally engaged in non-kinetic approach through stakeholders’ engagements, particularly our traditional rulers, youth groups, etc.
The introduction of surveillance systems and emergency response applications has improved monitoring capabilities across urban areas, allowing for quicker responses to incidents and enhancing overall situational awareness among security personnel.
Land: The Line We Must Not Surrender
To the Okun people, land is sacred. It is our history, our pride, our economy, and our inheritance. Today, this sacred land is under threat. Not just from violent herders or armed bandits, but from within – by unscrupulous land sales and unchecked encroachments. One thing we need to note and guide against is that those buying our lands are not only buying lands but the God given natural endowments beneath.
Land is not just a physical asset; it is the bedrock of our identity and sustenance. Our ancestors tilled these soils, and our children will inherit them. However, the encroachment of bandits and illegal settlers threatens our agricultural activities and, by extension, our economy.
The indiscriminate selling of land to strangers has exacerbated this issue. It is imperative that we, as a community, exercise caution and due diligence in land transactions to prevent our ancestral lands from falling into the wrong hands. The government is committed to enforcing land use regulations and ensuring that our heritage remains intact.
On this note, I want to task the Okun Development Initiative (ODI), and other associations and groups, to look into the various conglomerates operating in Okun land, and their responses Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). To me, many of them are operating with no justifiable value to our communities and people. We must also checkmate the operations of illegal miners across the five (5) local government areas.
Let us be clear: land is security. When we lose control of our land, we lose control of our future. The government is currently reviewing land ownership patterns in conflict-prone areas and will prosecute illegal allocations. But we need the cooperation of traditional rulers and community heads to guard this resource with wisdom and vigilance. Also, discourage our youth that land is not easy way to wealth, but a denied inheritance.
Leadership: The Responsibility We Must Shoulder
Leadership is no longer ceremonial. We are at war with crime, and in war, leaders must lead from the front.
Effective leadership is paramount in the fight against insecurity. As leaders, we must lead by example, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that our actions inspire confidence among our people.
Traditional rulers play a crucial role as custodians of our culture and peace – they are natural and acceptable leaders chosen by our ancestors. We urge them to continue their efforts in mediating conflicts, promoting unity, and collaborating with security agencies to maintain peace in their domains.
Religious leaders must preach peace but also promote civic responsibility.
Local government chairmen and community leaders must be proactive in identifying potential threats and addressing grievances before they escalate into full-blown crises. The establishment of the Okun Development Association’s security committee is a commendable initiative that exemplifies community-driven leadership in tackling insecurity.
At a time when insecurity and disunity threaten the soul of Okun land, our greatest strength must lie in a collective voice; spoken not in fragments, but in unity. The challenges we face – banditry, kidnapping, do not respect local boundaries or political affiliations. They affect us all, from Egbe to Kabba, from Isanlu to Ogbom, and from Iyara to Oworo land. It is time our political leaders rise above personal interests and come together with a single, purposeful voice.
To the young people in Okun land: leadership does not begin with a title; it begins with taking responsibility. Report strange movements. Protect your streets. Join your local vigilante efforts. The government is working on a security volunteer corps that will professionalize your efforts and support your development.
Banditry: The Hydra We Must Slay
Banditry is not just about guns and hideouts. It is about a system – one that feeds on poverty, illiteracy, and political disunity.
Banditry is a multifaceted challenge that requires a multifaceted response. It is not merely a law enforcement issue but a societal one. Factors such as unemployment, poverty, and lack of education contribute to the proliferation of criminal activities.
Our elected representatives must begin to craft their interventions with intention, particularly when it comes to tackling youth unemployment in Okun land. This means moving beyond surface-level, to implementing practical, skills-based vocational training and open up real employment pathways. The young people of Okun land are full of potential – they don’t need hand-outs, they need opportunities that recognize their worth and empower them to build sustainable futures. It is time for leadership with purpose.
The state government is committed to addressing these root causes by creating employment opportunities, investing in education, and promoting economic development. Additionally, the State government has continued to invest more in the recruitment and empowerment of our local hunters and vigilantes, to provide a more localized and culturally relevant approach to security. Each community in Okun land is encouraged to organize themselves for first line of defence.
Political Unity: A Security Imperative
As the 2027 general elections approach, let us recall the lessons of the past. In 2015, during the APC governorship primary, Okun land fielded multiple competent aspirants. Each brought experience, intellect, and vision. But rather than consolidating around one strong voice, we fragmented.
The result of the All Progressives Congress Governorship primaries as announced by the Returning officer, Governor El-Rufai of Kaduna State.
Name of Candidate Number of Votes
Ocholi 90
Obadofin 15
Zakari Jiya 0
Olumoroti 56
Meyanga 2
Idrissima 5
Baba Ali 28
Yakubu Mohd 0
Abatemi 400
Atawodi 183
Sule Eje Abutu 2
Clarence Olafemi 7
Alex Kadir 1
Onukaba 1
Elephant 11
Sani Shaibu 1
Sanusi Abubakar 309
Ugbane 8
Prince Abubakar Audu 1109
Yahaya Bello 703
The Central Senatorial District equally fragmented, but God smile on them to take up the number one seat in the State. 1,413 votes as against the 1,109 of Prince Abubakar Audu.
Yahaya Bello 703
Abatemi 400
Sanusi Abubakar 309
Onukaba 1
Total 1,413
Votes that could have spoken in unison were scattered. The result? A well-coordinated bloc from another senatorial zone clinched the ticket. That missed opportunity echoes painfully to this day.
Disunity is not just a political setback – it is a security vulnerability. When we are divided, we lack the leverage to negotiate infrastructure, security posts, or development projects. We send a signal to both our allies and adversaries that we cannot act as one.
As political activities begin to stir, I call on every Okun leader – regardless of party – to think Okun First. We must agree on shared goals and rally behind candidates who will champion the interests of our land. Let us avoid the mistake of putting ego above purpose.
Political unity will not only elevate our voices; it will help us build an enduring security infrastructure. When we are at the table of power, we influence where the resources go – be it police stations, surveillance infrastructure, or federal attention.
Okun land can no longer afford the luxury of silence or scattered representation. When leaders speak in one voice, they wield influence; they attract attention; they secure results. The disjointed approach of the past has left us exposed, our youth disillusioned, our farmers afraid, and our communities vulnerable.
We remember the days when our political voices echoed in unity at the State and National level – when Okun leaders stood as one on matters of justice and progress. That spirit must be rekindled. Not just in words but in action. Let our leaders sit at one table, agree on common goals and defend the interests of our people with courage and clarity – Agba ki wa loja k’ori omo tuntun wo.
This is more than politics, it is a call to destiny. A united leadership can secure our land, reclaim our dignity, and chart a new path for Okun sons and daughters yet unborn. The responsibility is ours! The time is now!
I look forward to seeing a true spirit of partnership among our Senator, House of Representatives and House of Assembly Members, working hand in hand on joint projects that benefit our people. When personal interests take a back seat and unity takes the lead, real progress becomes possible. Our communities deserve leaders who see collaboration not as an option, but as a duty – driven by a shared vision and heart for service.
To secure Okun land, we must speak with one voice – without unity, even the strongest walls fall!
The Path Forward: Unity, Vigilance, and Resilience
As we confront these challenges, let us remember that our strength lies in our unity. The Okun people have a rich history of resilience and solidarity. It is time to harness these qualities to rebuild our communities and restore peace.
We call upon every Okun son and daughter to:
• Report suspicious activities to the authorities.
• Provide credible information and cooperate with law enforcement agents.
• Engage in dialogue and conflict resolution to address grievances.
• Safeguard our lands and cultural values from exploitation.
• Communities should form first line of defence, through organized vigilantes/hunters.
To consolidate our gains and build resilience, I propose:
• An Annual Okun Security & Unity Summit, rotating through local governments, to assess progress and sharpen our strategy.
• The Okun Security Trust Fund, managed transparently, to support local hunters/vigilante operations, logistics and intelligence gathering.
• Political Peace Accords among Okun aspirants across parties to discourage character assassination and foster intra-zonal cooperation.
• Youth Security Cadre, training of 500 Okun youths in surveillance, cyber-security and monitoring, as well as rapid-response tactics.
• Periodically checkmate illegal mining and the responses of conglomerate companies in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility.
Together, we can reclaim our land from the clutches of bandits and ensure a secure future for generations to come.
My Take on 2027
As 2027 draws near, Okun land stands at a defining moment in its political journey. The ambition to produce the Governor of Kogi State is valid, heartfelt, and long overdue. But there comes a time in every struggle when wisdom must take the front seat, and emotion must yield to strategy.
This is one those times.
We must be honest with ourselves: despite our rich history, educated elite, and clear demographic strength, Okun land has yet to speak with one voice. Fragmented leadership, personal ambitions, and the absence of a common front have made it difficult to build the kind of political momentum required to win the governorship. Our inability to consolidate support – even among ourselves has become our greatest weakness.
Rather than go into 2027 divided again, chasing an ideal we have not yet structurally prepared for, perhaps the nobler path – the wiser path, is to rally around a consensus candidate from another District. One who aligns with our values, respects our sacrifices, and is willing to carry Okun interest into the centre of power.
This is not surrender! It is strategy! True leadership is not about grabbling power – it is about negotiating relevance, building alliances, and investing in long term influence. If Okun leaders speak in one voice, not for ourselves this time, but for the collective good of Kogi State, we will earn the respect we deserve. And when next we rise – united, prepared, and focused – we will not just contest; we will win!
Let history remember that in 2027, Okun land chose wisdom over war, alliance over ambition, and unity over ego. The reward may not come in headlines, but it will come in respect, in recognition, and in the revival of our political destiny.
Therefore, to me, Okun should collectively support the second term ambition of the current Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo FCA in 2027, under a solid arrangement.
Conclusion: Our Unity, Our Security, Our Legacy
Let us leave this Summit not with speeches alone, but with a shared commitment. We are one people, with one land, and one destiny. The forces that threaten us are real, but so is our strength – when we are united.
The Okun of tomorrow depends on what we do today – with our land, with our leadership, and with our love for one another.
In conclusion, the battle against banditry is not one that can be won overnight. It requires sustained efforts, collaboration, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders. The Kogi State Government, under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo FCA, remains steadfast in its dedication to securing the lives and property of our people.
Let us stand united, for in unity, there is strength; in strength, there is security; and in security, there is prosperity.
Thank you.
