Kogi: Yoruba Group Says State Police Solution To Insecurity, Commends Ododo

LAGOS- The decentralisation of power at the centre, which includes State Police is the lasting solution to insecurity in Kogi State, leading Pan Yoruba group said on Wednesday.

Kogi has seen an upsurge in violent crimes amidst State government efforts in the face of lean resources and a garrison security template.

The Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movement (AYDM) said it is alarmed by the state of kidnapping and the mass incursion of armed groups into Kogi State which the group said is the strategic gateway to the Yoruba mainland.

The group, a coalition of 130 Pan Yoruba groups said genuine efforts of the Kogi State Government may end up as footnotes unless Nigeria is restructured with State police being one major outcome.

“Kogi and Kwara have been a theatre of guerilla operations by armed groups including Mahmuda, recently created in Kwara State” the AYDM said in the statement signed by General Secretary Popoola Ajayi.

He raised concerns that the activities of terrorists in Kogi and Kwara States are likely predetermined to create a base for future attacks across the South West States.

The group however commended the Governor of Kogi State Government Ahmed Usman Ododo for his recent bold and strategic actions to confront the deeply entrenched criminal networks threatening the peace and security the state including but not limited to Okunland.

AYDM said the uncovering of a vast network of informants, local collaborators, and illicit supply chains sustaining the operations of kidnappers marked a significant turning point in the fight against insecurity in the region.

The AYDM said while arresting informants, it was important to go after the big masquerades behind the veil to fish out the sponsors of terrorism in Kogi State.

Ajayi said the Government’s revelations, following intelligence-led security operations across Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba East, and Yagba West LGAs, demonstrated commendable political will and leadership resolve.

“We are particularly impressed by the swift rescue of kidnapped victims, the ongoing arrests of criminal informants such as Babatunde Aledare of Ayetoro Kiri, and the exposure of dangerous logistics networks involving traders, fuel stations, wood contractors, and even some traditional rulers.

“While the efforts are commendable, it is important to track the big time sponsors who provide arms and resources for terrorism to thrive.”

AYDM said the preliminary investigations reflect the scale and complexity of the security challenge in Okunland, and underscore the importance of an uncompromising stance against all forms of complicity in criminal activity.

He said the loss of a retired military officer from Odo-Ape and the abduction of a farmer at Ponyan, the traditional ruler of Okoloke and several others were painful reminders of the human cost of insecurity.

The group said rescue of victims and the disruption of criminal supply chains prove that with collective vigilance and resolute action, peace can be restored.

It, however, noted that for a long and enduring solution, there should be a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture towards state policing.

“Efforts no matter how genuine will remain cosmetic unless Nigeria is restructured to guarantee State police,” AYDM said.

The group saluted Governor Ododo’s courage in declaring that no individual, regardless of position, would be spared if found aiding or abetting criminals.

“We align with this zero-tolerance policy and call for the full enforcement of the law against every identified accomplice, whether in the bush or in town.”

The AYDM, therefore, also called on the people of Okunland and all Kogites to stand with the State Government and security agencies in this renewed war against criminality.

“It is time for every community, every youth, every trader, and every local leader to take ownership of their safety. Silence or indifference in the face of evil is complicity.”

The group further called for the immediate establishment of a Joint Community Security Guard Network in Okunland, in partnership with the governments and traditional institutions of Kogi, Kwara, and Ekiti States.

“Criminals do not respect state boundaries, and neither should our efforts to eliminate them. A cross-border local security collaboration, with adequate oversight, training, and community participation, is urgently needed to complement formal security operations and protect our towns, roads, and farmlands.”

AYDM urged traditional institutions, religious bodies, market leaders, and youth groups to convene urgent townhall meetings to sensitize their communities on the need for vigilance and to root out internal collaborators.

AYDM also called security agencies to protect the identities of whistleblowers and ensure that justice is served transparently and without bias.

The group expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to the Kogi State Government, and to the National Security Adviser, the Director-General of the DSS, and all heads of security agencies whose efforts have contributed to the gains recorded thus far.

“Peace is not achieved by chance; it is won through sacrifice, vigilance, and sustained action. The time to act is now. Let us all rise, together, to defeat the merchants of fear and restore Okunland to the land of peace, honour, and progress that it has always been,” Ajayi said.

SignedComrade Popoola Ajayi

Secretary, Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movement (AYDM)