AbdulRazaq announces N10m support for late forest guard’s family
Kogi government has issued a strong warning to churches across the state over continued violations of the security protocol banning late religious activities as well as worship in vulnerable places without security cover and clearance, citing credible intelligence of planned attacks by bandits.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed that security intelligence at the disposal of the government revealed a plot by criminal elements to attack a church in Ijumu Local Council of the state.
According to him, intercepted conversations among the bandits indicated that the targeted church has continued to operate late into the night, making it vulnerable to attack. The criminals were reportedly heard boasting that they would make “a lot of money” through ransom by kidnapping worshippers during the service.
Fanwo said that although coordinated security measures have since been activated to avert the planned attack, the development has reinforced the need for strict compliance with the state’s preventive security directives.
He reiterated that no church is permitted to operate beyond 4:00 p.m., stressing that churches located in isolated or bushy environments must immediately seek safer alternatives in the interest of their members.
The commissioner warned that any church found violating the security protocol would face sanctions, noting that such actions expose worshippers to grave danger.
He further directed security operatives across the state to stop pastors from fixing or conducting night services, emphasising that the government’s priority is crime prevention rather than emergency response after lives have been endangered.
Fanwo dismissed insinuations that the policy reflects fear or weakness, stressing that the Kogi State government is aggressively confronting criminal elements.
The government called on religious leaders to cooperate fully with security agencies and align with the safety directives, assuring residents that the administration remains committed to safeguarding lives and sustaining peace across the state.
In a related development, the Nigerian Army has overrun a notorious terrorist enclave and recovered a massive cache of arms and ammunition.
Troops of the 12 Brigade achieved the feat during a coordinated counter-terrorism operation that dismantled a camp linked to terrorist kingpins Kachalla Ibrahim and Shu’aibu, figures long associated with coordinated attacks and criminal activities across parts of the state.
The operation, led by Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, resulted in the recovery of over 2,000 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition and a box of high-velocity grenades, a seizure that has significantly degraded the operational and logistical capacity of the criminal network.
Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has vowed that Kwara would not succumb to intimidation of any deranged ideology, with a promise to pursue justice for victims of the Woro terrorist attack.
Inaugurating a seven-member committee to deliver support to survivors of the Woro onslaught, Abdulrazaq said: “Today, my heart remains heavy as we gather in the shadow of the horrible terrorist attack that struck Woro on February 3, where at least 75 precious lives or more were cruelly taken.
“While homes and families were shattered by the mindless terrorists who sought to impose their warped ideology on the rest of us, we will leave no stone unturned in pursuing justice for our people and strengthening security across our state.
“We are already coordinating with federal authorities and security agencies to ensure this evil never happens again.”
Chairman of the committee and Kiwozi of Kugiji, Ahmed Ibn-Muhammad, assured the governor that the panel would do everything humanly possible to link up with the affected people with a view to addressing their needs.
Also, Governor AbdulRazaq has announced a N10 million support for the family of the forest guard killed in a gun duel when armed bandits, last week, struck Koro, a community in the Ekiti council area of the state.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Rafiu Ajakaye, quoted the governor as saying the N10 million was a token of the government’s gratitude for his sacrifice, apart from him going down as a hero of the people’s collective war against banditry.
Describing Omotosho Olawuyi Samuel as a gallant man who fell during a courageous encounter with kidnappers, the governor commended the bravery and patriotism of the forest guards and local vigilantes who launched an assault on the fleeing kidnappers.
He commiserated with the family and his colleagues who bravely fought along with him.
In this article