Tunji Wusu –
The Kogi State Government has refuted claims that there have been extrajudicial executions there.
The government gave citizens assurances that it would work to protect people’s lives and property.
This was stated in a press release issued on Tuesday by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the state’s commissioner for information and communications.
The statement, headed “Fight against Insecurity: Only Criminals Who Have No Hiding Place in Kogi State Are Protesting,”
Anyone protesting against state security agencies should be treated as a criminal, according to the Kogi government.
“The Kogi State Government wishes to state clearly and unequivocally that the good people of the state are completely in support of actions being taken by the security agencies to rid the state of crime and allow the peace that has been enjoyed over the years to endure,” it read.
“If there is anyone on the streets demonstrating against the peace and security of the state, that person must immediately be regarded as a criminal whose trade has been interrupted by the security agencies’ “zero tolerance for criminality” policy.”
People were instructed by the authorities to ignore rumors that extrajudicial murders were taking place in the state.
“We want to make it very clear that there are not extrajudicial executions taking place in the state, despite what some critics and advocates of violence who have been directly impacted by the recent crackdown on criminals in the state would have people believe.
They have been lamenting the death of a criminal, gunrunner, and kidnapper who was killed by security personnel after attacking state security personnel. The statement bemoaned, “We cannot sacrifice the state’s peace on the altar of aggressive politics.
The state government acknowledged the existence of organizations that support “ill-informed political agents” in their efforts to instigate and propagate violence in the state.
“A reported demonstration by uninformed political operatives wearing wigs, who are obviously following the instructions of the sponsors of violence in Kogi State, has prompted the need for us to clarify the situation.
“The protest was an intentional attempt to mislead the populace and instigate a crisis in the confluence state before of the governor election, which is scheduled to take place on November 11 along with Bayelsa and Imo states.
According to the statement, “it was one of a list of activities that were drawn up by some unpopular political actors who are banking on using killers and criminals to achieve their blood-drenching ambition.”
Kogi State Government emphasized that it “will continue to make deliberate and legally-certified efforts at ensuring peace and security in the state, as that remains the principal responsibility of the Government.”
The government issued a warning to politicians against utilizing criminals to agitate public order, stressing that those who do so will “always have security agencies to contend with.”
“We again call on security agencies to invite politicians expressing sadness over the death of a criminal for questioning,” the administration said, advising the populace to go about their regular business without being concerned about their safety.
“Our people should carry on as usual without interference because Kogi will be secured before, during, and after the election. The message read, “We are Kogi, and we will protect the security of our state.
