By Muslimat Itopa, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has banned night arrests across the state.
Governor Ododo directed security operatives to desist from invading homes and arresting residents under the cover of darkness.
The governor gave the directive on Monday while addressing first-class traditional rulers at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Lokoja.
He said all arrests and security operations must be carried out in accordance with the law, stressing that the fundamental rights and dignity of citizens must be respected.
According to him, anyone with a case against an individual should follow due process by lawfully inviting the person during the day rather than resorting to night arrests.
Governor Ododo warned that his administration would not tolerate harassment, intimidation or unlawful arrest of residents, and urged traditional rulers to report any security operative found violating the directive.
He said security operations must be civil, lawful and humane, adding that the government would not condone abuse of power under any guise.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for his continued support for Kogi State and the country, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and security.
He described the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene-Benin highway as a major infrastructure project that would boost economic activities and improve connectivity between the North-Central and South-South regions.
Governot Ododo also lauded the President for strengthening the nation’s security architecture and supporting local security initiatives in the state.
He called for greater support for the Chief of Army Staff, noting that national security must begin with ensuring peace and stability in communities where security personnel and their families live.
The governor commended the traditional rulers for their contributions to peace and security in the state, acknowledging their prayers, guidance and sacrifices in the fight against criminal elements.
He, however, expressed concern over the activities of individuals who provide food, logistics and information to criminals within communities.
Governor Ododo warned that anyone found aiding or collaborating with criminals would be dealt with in accordance with the law, irrespective of relationship or status.
He specifically called on traditional rulers to caution associations and groups, including wood-cutters, against engaging in activities that could support criminal elements.
The governor said the government’s strategy of blocking supply routes and closing down compromised markets was already putting pressure on criminals operating in the state.
On the forthcoming general elections, Governor Ododo charged traditional rulers to use their influence to promote peace, tolerance and a violence-free electoral process.
He urged the Traditional Rulers to caution their subjects against political violence, thuggery, intimidation and other acts capable of disrupting the peace of the state.
He said, “We cannot be killing ourselves to get to a position. Campaign should be issue-based, not about religion or ethnicity. We are all Kogites.”
Governor Ododo appealed to the traditional rulers to work closely with community leaders, youths and political stakeholders to ensure peaceful elections before, during and after the polls.
He also charged them to remain neutral advocates of peace and ensure that no individual or group uses their communities as platforms for political violence, maintaining that Kogi must continue to reject thuggery, violence and intimidation while allowing citizens to freely exercise their democratic rights.
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