Kogi Not a Refuge for Criminals, Says Governor Ododo

Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has attributed the rising security concerns in his state to the spread of violence and criminality from the crisis-hit northeastern and northwestern regions of Nigeria.

Speaking in Abuja on Friday after visiting the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee, the governor stated that Kogi’s geographical positioning makes it susceptible to infiltration by fleeing armed elements from neighboring regions.

“Kogi State must not be seen as a safe zone for criminals. We are quietly but firmly dealing with those who attempt to find refuge here,” Ododo emphasized.

He pointed out that Kogi shares borders with 10 other states, including the Federal Capital Territory, making it naturally exposed to security challenges. The governor also expressed concern about the underutilisation of the state’s natural and agricultural assets, which he said has contributed to the spread of criminal activity.

“Kogi is home to over 32 mineral deposits in commercial quantities and vast arable land suitable for all types of crops. Unfortunately, these have remained largely untapped,” he noted.

He also attributed the influx of armed groups—whom he described as “people who shouldn’t be in the forest if they were normal”—to the intensified military operations pushing insurgents out of the Northeast and Northwest.

Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s determination to safeguard the lives and property of Kogi residents, urging collaboration across all levels to tackle the country’s broader insecurity crisis.