Okun indigines on Bandits’ Payroll,Kogi Govt Warns

Okun Indigenes on Bandits’ Payroll, Kogi Govt Warns

 

 

 

The Kogi State Government has raised alarm over the involvement of some indigenes of Okunland in aiding bandits, warning that any youth caught supporting criminal elements will be treated as terrorists.

 

The State Security Adviser to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd.), disclosed this during a security parley at the palace of the Elegbe of Egbe in Yagba West Local Government Area.

 

According to him, intelligence reports revealed that some youths were using motorcycles to ferry weapons and food supplies into the forests for bandits. He alleged that about six to seven youths are already on government’s watchlist for being on the payroll of the criminals.

 

“It is regrettable that bandits are now operating with the indigenes of Okunland. Some of our women sell food and drinks to them, while others supply information. We have also discovered that some people in Yagba West pay money to the bandits in order not to be kidnapped. Such persons will be exposed in due course,” Omodara said.

 

He further revealed that some women bring in ammunition from the far North, hand them to youths in Okunland, who then deliver them to the bandits in the forests.

 

“Imagine Okun women becoming girlfriends to bandits. Worse still, our people are getting too lazy to farm, leaving even okro, maize, and pepper production to the Fulani. This is unacceptable,” he said.

 

The security adviser stressed that the state government has recorded successes against the insurgents, having arrested and killed several of their leaders. He vowed that the onslaught would continue until every criminal element is neutralised.

 

“We will make our communities safe and ensure our farmers return to their farms without fear. We will continue to pursue these bandits until we eliminate them so that our people can sleep with their two eyes closed,” he assured.

 

Omodara urged Okun indigenes, especially the youth, to channel their energy into agriculture, noting that the government has invested heavily in farm inputs to boost food production and livelihoods.

 

“Time has come for Okun people to take their destiny in their hands. No outsider should be allowed to violate our land. Our youths must redirect their energy into agriculture and not criminality,” he stated.