Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
Kogi state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has ordered all communities in the state to set up vigilante groups to complement the efforts of the conventional security agencies.
The Governor who gave the order on Thursday when he received the Traditional rulers, Youths and stakeholders from the ransacked Tawari communities of Kogi local government area of the state, noted that if the local vigilantes were in operation, such cruelty perpetrated by unknown assailants couldn’t have been successful.
He said the order became necessary in view of the “Zero tolerance” the government has for insecurity in the state adding that security is everybody’s business.
“We are going to use instrument of government to resist and defeat the terrorists.
“They will be smoked out and be made to face full wrath of the law”, Bello stated.
The Governor also assured that he will personally lead the fight against the insurgence and deal with them decisively
The governor announced that a special committee has been set up to identify families for purpose of providing monetised succour to the victims of the unfortunate attack.
He expressed his sympathy and that of the President Muhammadu Buhari and prayed to God to grand the deceased eternal rest.
The Aguma of Tawari, Alhaji Idris Alhassan Yusuf thanked the governor for the concern he had shown especially the quick response by the security agencies and the top government officials.
He lamented that his community was badly attacked leading to the death of 24 people including the Chief Imam of Tawari and the Secretary to the traditional council who was also the ward Chairman of the APC. Several houses and worship centres were also not spared.
The Aguma pleaded with the governor to urgently come to the aid of the victims as they lack shelter and basic of livelihood
He complained of inadequate security personnel and requested for urgent relief materials in view of the bad conditions the victims found themselves. The community also needs total reconstruction and opening of the road linking Kogi with Nasarawa states from Tawari to Sardauna in Toto LGA among others
In his vote of thanks, the Administrator of Kogi local government, Barr. Tanko Musa thanked the governor for promptly responding to the incidence. He expressed appreciation to the Deputy Governor’s quick response and all the security agencies for their efforts.
He equally commended the state security adviser for his untiring efforts in ensuring stoppage of the crisis.
