Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, condemns vigilantism following the alleged killing of a Fulani settler in Isanlu, calling for peace and adherence to the rule of law.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has strongly condemned vigilantism and unlawful killings following the alleged killing of a Fulani settler in Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred last week, has sparked tensions in the area, and the governor has moved swiftly to address the situation and prevent further violence.
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Governor Ododo expressed his firm stance against individuals taking justice into their own hands. In a statement released on Monday by the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, the governor called for adherence to the rule of law and warned that perpetrators of such acts would face the full force of the law.
To address the issue, Governor Ododo convened an emergency security meeting on Saturday in Lokoja, where he met with representatives from both the Isanlu community and the Fulani settlers.
The meeting aimed to restore peace, ensure security, and prevent potential reprisal attacks that could destabilise the region.
During the meeting, the governor listened to grievances from both sides, urging all parties to pursue peaceful coexistence.
He emphasized that vigilantism would not be tolerated and directed an investigation into the matter, including questioning traditional rulers in the affected areas. One particular traditional ruler has already been suspended for his role in the incident.
The governor further urged the leaders of the Isanlu community to sensitize their people against engaging in any activities that could escalate insecurity in Yagba East and beyond.
He also called for the identification and handing over of criminals to law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of all residents in the state.
Governor Ododo praised the Fulani community in the region for refraining from launching a reprisal attack, commending them for their maturity and commitment to peace.
He also expressed gratitude to the Fulani leadership in Kogi for their support of his administration’s security efforts.
The emergency security meeting was attended by top government officials, security agencies, and leaders of the Isanlu and Fulani communities.
The Chairman of Yagba East Local Government Area, Hon. Dare Joshua, thanked Governor Ododo for his prompt intervention, which helped avert a potential security breakdown in the area.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed his commitment to protecting lives and property in Kogi State, vowing to pursue all criminals, regardless of their ethnicity or background.
