Uncertainty; Ododo equips 1,050 hunters with safety gadgets in Kogi

Ododo, who supervised the distribution of the gadgets on Thursday in Lokoja, charged the hunters to decisively deal with criminals and ensure the protection of lives and properties across the state.

“We are all Kogites, we have to protect ourselves. Kogi is not a free trade zone for criminals; you have the support of the government to protect the land, when you see them, deal with them firmly.

“We are not new to this game, criminals must be wiped out from our land.

“We are good people and God knows why he created us. Kogi State is blessed with many mineral deposits. If you want to trade with us, we are ready to trade.

“However, if you intend to commit a crime, we are ready to catch you and deal with you decisively,” Ododo warned.

The governor said the security of lives and property remains his paramount responsibility to the people of Kogi.

“Our determination to develop a grassroots approach to security and engage our hunters was strengthened by their courageous and professional conduct during our rescue operations, which led to the release of 29 of the 31 abducted CUSTECH students.

“Our belief in a people-first approach to security as a new strategy is a clear manifestation of our determination to recalibrate our security architecture,” he said.

He commended the Kogi Assembly for quickly approving the recruitment of 1,050 hunters to complement the traditional security agencies.

“We are at an advanced stage of work on hunter life insurance.

“We are also distributing safety gadgets and materials, such as level 4 bulletproof vests that protect against bullet attacks, as well as boots that will help them move through the forest unharmed, and other materials.

“In the fight against terrorism, we must acknowledge that the battlefields have changed and technology has evolved.

“We are determined to fight at different levels and secure our land and people. Kogi will be one step ahead of the enemies of peace,” he said.

The Governor urged the hunters to demonstrate the highest level of responsibility and discipline in the discharge of their duties, expressing confidence in their abilities, discipline, patriotism and professionalism.

Ododo said his administration is committed to combining kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to ensure safety.

“We create an environment that creates jobs for our teeming youth. We make education free to ensure that every child receives an education.

“However, we will pursue criminal elements with our wall of strength. We will win,” he added.

He called on hunters to cooperate effectively with security agencies, free from any competition.

Ododo thanked President Bola Tinubu for enabling states to implement local solutions to curb the activities of criminals and commended the National Security Adviser for his continued support in efforts to ensure the safety of all in Kogi.

He commended the heads of security agencies for adequately training the recruited hunters on the rules of combat, adding that the cooperation was the driving force behind the success of the security forces in Kogi.

In his speech, the Kogi Police Commissioner, Bertrand Onuoha, commended the governor for his foresight in protecting the lives and property of the people of the state.

“We all know the topography of Kogi State which poses a security challenge. Everything we see here is in line with the vision of the Inspector General of Police for community policing.

“If all these security agencies are established without synergy, little can be achieved.

“I am using this medium to call for the integration of all security agencies in the country.

“I have instructed district commanders to always use rangers and hunters. When we harmonize, our services will be more interesting,” he said.

Earlier, the country’s security adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omdara, noted that the hunters had been subjected to intensive training and coaching to help them in the task ahead.