Kogi State Governor, Usman Ahmed Ododo, has directed an immediate interception of those responsible for the killings of two farmers in the Odo-Ape community of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of the state, on Friday.
The governor gave the directive in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, and made available to journalists on Saturday in Lokoja.
He said he had directed the State Security Adviser, Jerry Omodara, to collaborate with security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure the perpetrators were apprehended and brought to justice.
Two farmers were killed on Friday when gunmen attacked the Odo-Ape community in the Kogi West Senatorial District of the state.
“The government is putting all hands on deck to ensure the attackers do not escape justice,” Ododo said.
The governor urged residents to remain calm and avoid reprisals and warned that such could lead to further losses.
Ododo expressed his condolences to the affected families and reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents.
He added: “We sympathise with the communities affected by this unfortunate incident.
“Be assured that Ododo’s administration is fully committed to your security and will stop at nothing to guarantee your safety.
“The victims of this heinous act will not die in vain. We remain resolute in our fight against the enemies of peace and security in Kogi State.”
The statement also urged the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in apprehending the culprits.
The governor noted that every life in Kogi remained important, and called for cooperation to end criminal activities.
Already, security operatives had been deployed in Odo-Ape and other flashpoints in the area to restore peace and ensure the protection of lives and properties.
The government assured residents that normalcy would be restored within hours.
