As kidnappings continue to escalate in parts of Okunland in Kogi West, Governor Ahmed Ododo has reiterated his commitment to adopting measures aimed at tackling insecurity in the state.
The Governor gave his full backing to the community policing initiative as a critical strategy in combating kidnappers and other criminal elements during a security summit hosted by the Okun Development Association in Kabba, the headquarters of Kogi West.
Represented by the state’s Security Adviser, Cdr. Jerry Duro Omodara (Rtd), Governor Ododo expressed his administration’s strong support for grassroots community policing. He described it as a sustainable approach to addressing the state’s security challenges and reaffirmed that the government is working diligently to implement these efforts.
The ODA, the apex socio-cultural organization of the Okun-Yoruba people in Kogi State, took a significant step toward addressing the rising security issues in the region by organizing the summit. Themed “Unlocking Okunland’s Full Potential Through Strategic Partnerships,” the summit, held on March 28, 2025, in Kabba, brought together government officials, traditional rulers, security experts, and stakeholders from various sectors to deliberate on solutions to the growing insecurity in the area.
In his welcome address, the President-General of the ODA, Ambassador Akenson Rotimi, stressed the need for a coordinated, strategic approach to security. The event was moderated by Dr. Williams Toyin Akanle, a retired Director of the Department of State Security Service and renowned security expert.
A guest speaker at the summit, CC Adetunji Adeleye, the Ondo State Commander of the South-West Security Network (Amotekun), called for legislation that would facilitate better synergy in community policing among neighboring states.
The Olujumu of Ijumu, HRM Oba Williams Ayeni, who spoke on behalf of the Okun traditional rulers, condemned the persistent attacks by non-indigenous criminal groups. He stated that these attacks seemed aimed at taking over Okunland and subjugating its people, which must be resisted collectively.
A communique was issued at the end of the summit, signed by Chief Jibril Yusuf (Chairman), Araba Rufus Aiyenigba (Secretary), Hon. Soji Olu, and Pastor Dayo Thomas. The communique outlined several resolutions aimed at improving security in Okunland. These included the establishment of a well-funded grassroots community policing structure supported by technology-driven security operations. It was emphasized that Okun compatriots should contribute to the initiative, and a proper profiling of settlers in Okun communities should be conducted to prevent infiltration by criminal elements.
Other resolutions included fostering community engagement, economic empowerment, the creation of a Security Trust Fund, regular security audits, and support for vigilante groups and victims of security breaches. The summit also advocated for the use of credible information in assisting security operatives and the responsible use of social media when addressing security concerns.
Moreover, the summit highlighted the importance of job creation and economic interventions as key to reducing criminal activity and youth vulnerability. It also called for the establishment of a community-based Security Trust Fund to support local security initiatives and recommended regular security audits to identify gaps in Okunland’s security framework.
In conclusion, the summit stressed the need to provide adequate support for Okun traditional rulers in securing their domains. The community also pledged to encourage traditional security measures to help protect Okunland.
The summit saw the participation of several dignitaries, including Hon. Wemi Jones, Commissioner for Education; Hon. Sunday Faleke, Commissioner for Special Duties; former Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Victor Omofaiye; Otunba Shuaib Ipinmisho, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Land Matters; and former Kogi Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Bolanle Bola-Olorunsaiye. Traditional rulers in attendance included HRM Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, represented by HRH Olu L.F. Ayinmiro, Oba of Iluke; HRM Oba Moses B. Etombi, Agbana of Isanlu; and HRM Oba Muyiwa Ibeun, Elulu of Mopa, among others.
