Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has said that the people of his state now sleep with their two eyes closed.
According to him, though banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and criminal activities have become business in some states, it is not so in Kogi where he heads.
Naija News understands that governor Bello stated this in Lokoja, the state capital on Tuesday while speaking against the backdrop of 2021 International Peace Day with the theme, “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world” organized by Actionaid Nigeria in collaboration with Participation Initiative for Behavioral Change in Development, (PIBCID).
The presidential hopeful said criminals and terrorists have continued to grow wings in other states because some people in the affected areas have compromised and are not willing to fish out the bad eggs.
Governor Bello, however, assured residents that his administration will not allow Kogi State to be a breathing place for criminal elements.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Idris Musa, Governor Bello commended Actionaid and PIBCID for their role in the state in promoting peace stressing that his administration remains committed to protecting the lives and properties of the citizens.
His statement reads: “My achievement in terms of security in this country is second to none in this country. Our people have continued to sleep with their two eyes closed. No doubt kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry is now business in some parts of the country, just because some people in the community have compromised and they are not willing to fish out these bad eggs from their vicinity.
“But it is not so here. We are committed to the safety of our people. Criminals should stay away from Kogi State. Anyone caught will be dealt with decisively and will face the full wrath of the law,” Bello reiterated.
Speaking earlier, Actionaid Nigeria County Director Mrs Ene Obi who was represented by Mr Adewale Adedotun admonished the Kogi State Government to sustain the gains they have recorded in promoting peaceful coexistence in the state.
On her part while addressing the youths, the executive director of Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development, (PIBCID), Halima Oiza Sadiq, called for peaceful coexistence among residents.
“We should not agonize but organize our State,” she said.
Also, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatima Kabir Buba lauded Actionaid Nigeria for their immense contribution towards promoting peace in the state.
She said her ministry will leave no stone unturned to join in the campaign in promoting peace adding that despite the negative report of security lapses in other parts of the country, Kogi State has continued to take the lead for peace in Nigeria.
This article was originally published on Naija News