Governor Ahmed Ododo in response to escalating tensions in Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, has convened an emergency security meeting in Lokoja to address allegations surrounding the killing of a Fulani settler by community members.
The meeting, aimed at restoring peace and preventing reprisals, brought together leaders of the Isanlu community and representatives of the Fulani settlers. According to Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, both parties agreed to the governor’s call for peace.
Fanwo revealed that Governor Ododo interrupted a trip to Abuja to receive an award in order to address the “rising security temperatures in Isanlu.”
“The Governor held a productive meeting with the Isanlu community and the Fulanis at the Government House in Lokoja, where he listened to grievances and provided assurances of justice,” Fanwo stated.
Governor Ododo condemned the killing, emphasizing that taking the law into one’s hands is unacceptable. “Perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law,” he declared. The governor also ordered the interrogation of several traditional rulers and suspended one for alleged involvement in the incident.
Addressing community leaders, the governor urged them to identify and expose criminal elements within their ranks. “No tribe will be shielded from justice. We will pursue all criminals in Kogi State,” he affirmed.
The governor commended the Fulani community for their restraint in avoiding retaliatory actions and thanked them for their commitment to peace. He also praised their support for the administration’s security initiatives, noting their contributions to maintaining harmony in the state.
The emergency meeting was attended by top government officials, security agencies, community leaders, and representatives of the Fulani community. The Chairman of Yagba East Local Government Area, Hon. Dare Joshua, lauded the governor’s prompt intervention in averting a potential security crisis.
Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting all residents of Kogi State while ensuring that justice prevails for any acts of criminality.
