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Assures Residents of Safety
- Safiu Kehinde
The Kogi State Government has assured residents of their safety in reaction to reports of a planned terrorist attack in parts of Kogi and Ondo States by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group.
NPO earlier Reported that Department of State Security (DSS) had raised alarm over the imminent attack oncommunities by the insurgents.
The DSS in a leaked classified letter dated 20th October and shared on X on Wednesday, disclosed that the ISWAP insurgents are currently conducting surveillance across targeted communities.
While targeted areas in Kogi was not stated, the agency identified Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko communities located in Akoko North West Local Government Area as well as Owo town as areas targeted for the imminent attack in Ondo State.
Meanwhile, reacting in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi state government urged citizens to remain calm and vigilant.
Fanwo labelled the intelligence report a positive sign of proactive security measures as he commended the DSS.
“The report itself is evidence that our security agencies are alive to their responsibilities. We commend the DSS for their vigilance and for providing early intelligence capable of preventing such evil plans from being executed,” the statement read.
The Commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to safety of lives and property, stressing that it is working closely with the DSS, the Nigerian Army, the Police, and other relevant security formations to ensure that the terrorist attempt is foiled.
“His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has made security of lives and property a top priority of his administration. Strategic security measures have been reinforced across the State, and surveillance has been intensified, especially around border communities,” Fanwo added.
He charged to residents to continue with their daily activities without fear while maintaining vigilance and reporting any suspicious movement or individuals to nearby security agencies.
“The Government will protect the people at all costs. We will not allow criminals or terror groups to disrupt the peace and progress we have built. Kogi remains one of the safest states in Nigeria, and we intend to keep it that way,” the statement concluded.