No Ransom, No Negotiation – Ododo Vows Kogi Will Strike Bandits In Their Camps

Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has warned that major bandit commanders have relocated to the state in the last three days as part of plans to intensify violent attacks, adding that the government and security agencies will take the battle to their hideouts.

Ododo disclosed this during a briefing with newsmen after an emergency security and stakeholders’ meeting at Government House Lokoja on Thursday.

He insisted that Kogi would not fold its arms while criminals plant fear across the state, declaring zero tolerance for ransom payments or negotiation.

“We will not wait for them to fight us; we will take the fight to them,” the governor said.

Ododo confirmed intelligence reports that the top chiefs of the bandits’ camps have shifted their base to Kogi, noting that the state will not bow to criminal intimidation.

“We are not going to negotiate with them; we are not going to pay ransom… we are going to sensitise our people to be security conscious of their activities,” Ododo said.

He stressed that the government would roll out mass sensitisation to help residents identify suspicious movement and heighten community vigilance.

The Kogi State Security Council has approved a temporary curfew, mandating all public gatherings to end by 4pm until further notice.

“We are not going to bow to criminals,” Ododo said, adding that the curfew applies to religious and social activities.

Ododo issued a stern warning to event centres and public hubs, saying any facility violating the directive would be demolished.

“Any event centre that violates this directive will be brought down,” he warned.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ayo Edun, appealed for calm, saying circulating reports of an imminent bandit attack were largely unverified social-media claims.

“Most of the reports fuelling panic are rumours on social media,” Edun told reporters.

He urged residents to confirm information before sharing and report suspicious activity using official security hotlines.

The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Highness Tijani Anaje, speaking for Kogi traditional rulers, pledged full cooperation with government and security agencies.

He condemned the spread of fake videos showing alleged bandit raids, noting that some clips circulating online were not from Lokoja or Kogi.

“Some of the videos spreading online are false; we must dismiss them and embrace strategic collaboration to secure our communities,” Anaje said.

The Kogi State Government also dismissed rumours of bandit or kidnapping threats in schools around Lokoja on Thursday, particularly affecting Lokoja metropolis.

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the alarm was baseless and urged citizens to continue lawful business without fear.

He said: “The panic being spread by mischief makers is baseless and should be completely dismissed.

“Government is working round the clock with all security agencies to guarantee the safety and security of every Kogite, wherever they live or stay.”