Kogi State Governor, Usman Ahmed Ododo, has raised concerns over the growing presence of terrorists in the North Central region, including his state, due to increased military pressure in the North East and North West.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja after a meeting with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Ododo said the movement of terrorists into Kogi is the result of military operations forcing them out of their former strongholds.
“The influx of these criminals is the result of the pushback from the North East and North West,” he said. “A normal human being cannot stay in the forest.”
His remarks come just days after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Benue State to commiserate with victims of the recent Yelwata killings, which left several people dead.
Governor Ododo assured that his administration is tackling the security threats head-on. “We are dealing with them decisively. They always come in their numbers, but they go in their zeros,” he said.
He added that although he wouldn’t disclose detailed security strategies, the state government is fully committed to protecting lives and properties.
“We have signed to protect the lives and livelihoods of our people. And that is exactly what we are doing in Kogi State,” he said.
Security experts and stakeholders continue to urge for a coordinated regional approach as displaced terrorists seek new bases in central Nigeria following intensified military operations in their previous hideouts.
