Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating insecurity and called on citizens, media stakeholders and political actors to avoid spreading fear or politicising the state’s security challenges.
The warning followed recent surge in kidnappings and killings, particularly in the Western Senatorial District of the state.
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, in Lokoja on Tuesday, said the gains recorded so far by the government were not coincidental.
LEADERSHIP recalls that the state government and the security agencies have come under intense pressure by residents in the affected communities to bring the situation under control.
Fanwo, however, assured that the government was quietly, but effectively recording progress in its fight against criminal elements, particularly kidnappers in the state.
He said the success recorded by the government resulted from well-planned strategies and deep institutional engagements aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of every Kogi resident.
While sympathising with families affected by recent attacks, the state government stressed that such incidents should not be used to spread misinformation or panic.
“Misinformation and alarmist narratives only embolden criminals and demoralise communities. We call on opinion leaders and the media to work with us, not against us”, the Commissioner said.
He also condemned what was described as “the politicisation of insecurity by certain desperate politicians,” warning that such behaviour undermines the collective fight against crime.
“Those who brought medicines whose side effects are worse than the ailments should not raise frivolous alarms when the right medicines are administered,” the statement noted.
According to credible intelligence, the rise in security threats in parts of Kogi was linked to intensified security operations in the North-East and North-West which have forced criminal elements to migrate toward the North-Central, including Kogi State.
Despite the challenges, the government emphasised its efforts in deploying advanced security infrastructure, strengthening intelligence gathering, and fostering community engagement.
“Our duty is not to spread fear but to inspire hope. And we are not just speaking hope, we are delivering it through action”, Fanwo said.
He added that Governor Usman Ododo remained fully committed to prioritising security without politicising it.
“We are taking responsibility, not shifting blame,” the Commissioner said, urging politicians to focus on performance, not panic.
He urged politicians to focus on performance as a tool for re-election rather than raising panic, saying performers do not fear re-election.
He further expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Service chiefs, and local security outfits such as the Vigilante Service and Hunters’ Group for their unwavering support.
“Let us not propagate propaganda for criminals. Let us work together to defeat fear and inspire hope,” the Commissioner charged.
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