Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has attributed some security challenges in his state to the overflow of criminal activities from the troubled northeast and northwest regions of Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Ododo warned that Kogi should not be seen as a safe haven for criminals fleeing military operations in other parts of the country.
Ododo linked some insecurity incidents in Kogi to spillover effects from neighboring regions.
The governor cautioned that Kogi won't be a sanctuary for those evading security forces elsewhere.
Ododo made the statement after visiting the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja.
“Kogi State is not a fertile land or a free destination for criminals. We are dealing with them decisively. They are hearing it, we don’t make noise,” he said.
Ododo noted that Kogi’s strategic location makes it vulnerable to infiltration by fleeing armed elements.
The governor also cited underutilisation of natural and agricultural resources as contributing factors to insecurity in the state.
He stated, “Kogi State borders 10 states, including the FCT. A state that borders this number of states will definitely, whether you like it or not, experience one form of insecurity or the other. But what we are facing today in Kogi State and the country in general is something we can all join hands together to address.”
“In Kogi State, we have over 32 mineral deposits in commercial quantity, but they have never worked for our dear state. We have arable land that is good for any kind of crops, but it has never been put to use.
“This is part of what contributes to insecurity. The recent influx of criminals, I call them criminals because a normal human being cannot stay in the forest, is a result of the pushback from the Northeast and Northwest.”
He stated that his administration was committed to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of the people of Kogi State.
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