Gov. Ododo holds security meeting to stop reprisal attacks in communal clash
Story by Victor Itodo ABUH
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, convened an emergency security meeting in Lokoja to address tensions between the indigenes of Isanlu and Fulani settlers following allegations that a Fulani individual was killed by members of the Isanlu community.
The meeting was aimed at de-escalating tensions and preventing potential reprisals that could threaten the community’s peace and security.
In a statement released on Monday, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Honourable Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the success of the meeting, noting that both parties agreed to the governor’s call for peace.
Fanwo revealed that Governor Ododo interrupted a trip to Abuja, where he was scheduled to receive an award, to address the “rising security concerns in Isanlu.”
“The Governor had a robust meeting with the people of Isanlu and the Fulanis yesterday in Government House, Lokoja, where he listened to their grievances and addressed them accordingly,” Fanwo stated.
“The Governor frowned at a situation where people would take laws into their hands by killing fellow humans, saying such is not acceptable and that perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law.
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“He has directed that some traditional rulers in the affected areas be properly interrogated to get to the root of the matter. He has also directed that a particular traditional ruler be suspended due to his role in the saga.”
The statement added that the governor emphasised the importance of holding individuals accountable for actions that threaten security. He urged Isanlu community leaders to identify and report criminal elements within their midst, warning that his administration would pursue justice for all, irrespective of tribal affiliation.
Fanwo added, “The Governor, without mincing words, also challenged the leadership of the Isanlu community and its environs in Yagba East to sensitise their people on the need to stop constituting security threats in the area by taking the laws into their hands.
“He particularly told them to stop harbouring criminals and to ensure that criminal elements among them are reported and handed over to law enforcement agencies to curb insecurity in the area.”
Governor Ododo reassured residents of the state of his administration’s commitment to protecting all citizens while warning that no criminal would be spared.
The Governor also commended the Fulani community in the area for showing restraint and refraining from launching reprisal attacks, thanking them for their maturity and dedication to maintaining peace. He further acknowledged their cooperation with the state’s security initiatives, describing their efforts as commendable and impactful.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials, security agencies, traditional leaders, and representatives from the Fulani community.
The Chairman of Yagba East Local Government Area, Honourable Dare Joshua, expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for his swift action, crediting the intervention with preventing a major security crisis in the area.
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