Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, has commended the Nigerian Military for restoring peace to communities ravaged by crises in Omala Local Government Area of the state

Ododo gave the commendation during a  visit to the military Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Bagana community in Omala on Monday.

No fewer than 23 persons were killed on April 4, 2024 during communal dispute  in Bagana, Odu and Abejukolo communities over farmland, where properties worth millions of naira were destroyed The governor while addressing the officers and men of the FOB, expressed delight over the military’s efforts in bringing lasting peace to the area.

“I am here to sincerely appreciate the officers and men of the military forward operating base for the great job you are doing in restoring peace to Bagana community and its environ.

“My coming here today is to reaffirm my commitment to serve my people especially at the grassroots to ensure that their lives and livelihoods are safe and secured.

“The last time I came to this community for on-the-spot assessment after the crisis, I wept when I saw the level of destruction as well as lives that were lost.

“Then, I promised to facilitate the establishment of military forward operating base in this community, and today the promised has been fulfilled,” he said.

Ododo appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his full support towards ensuring adequate protection for the lives and property of the people of the state

Ododo reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to continue to support the military and other security agencies in ensuring the safety of lives and property of residents.

The governor, who thereafter held a brief meeting with the leaders and people of the community, urged the residents to continue to embrace peace, and avoid being used as agents of destruction by selfish politicians.

“I want to beg all of you my people to continue to embrace peace so as to bring development to your community.

“The security men are here to protect you and your property and I urge you to give them your full support to aid their effective performance in protecting your lives and property.

“Some few politicians, because of their selfish interest, are now using politics to deceive me and you; we will not allow them to destroy us.

“I have signed to protect your interests and I will never play with your affairs. Politics is over and it is time for good governance,” Ododo said.

Earlier, Mr Mark Edigbo, the Chairman, Omala LGA, commended the governor for his tireless efforts towards bringing lasting solutions to the incessant crises in the area.

Edigbo noted that 23 people were killed and property destroyed during the last communal crises on April 4.

He added that no crisis had been recorded since the governor visited the community last in May 2024, and commended the governor for visiting Omala three times this year.

“Your Excellency, we appreciate you for fulfilling your promise to establish FOB and for your full support to ensuring that peace is restored to the people of Bagana and the entire Omala LGA,” Edigbo said.

Also speaking, Mr Boniface Musa, the Onu Ife and Chairman Omala Traditional Council, hailed the governor for his timely intervention and commitment to seeing that peace and normalcy was restored to Omala.

The royal father also appreciated the governor for the ongoing rehabilitation of Abejukolo township road.

The monarch, however solicited for the governor’s intervention in restoring electricity supply to the entire Omala LGA, stressing that the area had no power supply since 2013.

The governor was accompanied by the Commander 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Oluremi Fadairo; Commander NNS Lugard, T. Senibo; and the State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara rtd, among others. (NAN)