We Don’t Have Time to Negotiate With Bandits – Kogi Govt

The Kogi State Government has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on banditry, stating that it does not negotiate with criminals but actively fights them in their hideouts.

Hon. Ismaila Isah, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, made this declaration during a media parley at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Kaduna.

“We don’t have time to negotiate with bandits. We take the fight to them inside the bush,” Isah asserted.

Government’s Security Measures

Outlining Governor Ododo’s security initiatives, Isah revealed that the administration has:

• Donated 300 vehicles and 1,000 motorbikes to security agencies to strengthen their operations.
• Collaborated with neighboring states —including Kwara, Ondo, and Ekiti—to combat insecurity.
• Employed over 10,000 vigilantes and hunters to support military and paramilitary forces in safeguarding communities.

Commitment to Good Governance and Development

Beyond security, Isah emphasized the Ododo administration’s focus on inclusive governance, ensuring youths, women, and people with disabilities have opportunities to contribute to state development.

He highlighted Governor Ododo’s recognition as the Best Governor in Governance and Agriculture, underscoring his administration’s achievements.

Infrastructure and Agriculture Development

In the past year, the government has:

• Constructed and rehabilitated 465km of roads across 21 local government areas.
• Built an additional 165km of rural roads, linking 80 communities to enhance farmers’ access to markets.

To boost agriculture and tackle food security, the administration has:

• Acquired 25 to 50 hectares of farmland for agricultural development.
• Refurbished 150 tractors to assist farmers.
• Invested ₦10 billion in this year’s farming season.

The Kogi State Government remains committed to strengthening security, improving infrastructure, and advancing economic growth, ensuring a safer and more prosperous state for its residents.