Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has ordered security agencies operating in the state to stop making arrests at night, warning against invading citizens’ homes under the cover of darkness.
The Governor gave the directive on Monday while addressing first class traditional rulers at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Lokoja.
He said the order was aimed at protecting the dignity and fundamental rights of citizens, and emphasized that security operations must be carried out in a legal, civil and humane manner.
“No arrest should be made overnight. If you have any case against someone, wait until daylight, follow due process and invite the person legally,” Ododo stated.
“We will not allow our people to be harassed, intimidated or detained like criminals in the middle of the night.”
The Governor urged traditional rulers to report any security personnel violating the directive, assuring them that his administration would not tolerate abuse of power.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to Kogi State, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, security and the timely release of allocations to enable states meet their obligations.
According to Ododo, the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene-Benin highway remains one of the major indications of the Federal Government’s commitment to the development of the state and the country.
He further commended the President for strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and supporting local security initiatives in Kogi, which he said had helped restore peace in several communities.
The Governor also appealed to traditional rulers to support the Chief of Army Staff, stressing that the security of the nation requires collective responsibility.
He acknowledged the sacrifices of the royal fathers in maintaining peace in their domains and noted that many had contributed prayers, guidance and personal resources.
“Some of you go out with us to confront these criminals. Some pray with the Koran and the Bible, others with tradition. Only God will reward you,” he said.
However, Ododo warned that criminal elements were increasingly reliant on local collaborators for food, logistics and information.
He specifically called on traditional rulers to warn loggers and other groups operating in the forests against aiding criminals.
“If you are caught helping criminals, we will not forgive you, even if you are my brother,” the Governor warned.
He said the government’s efforts to block supply routes and close compromised local markets were already putting pressure on criminal elements.
In the upcoming general elections, Ododo urged traditional rulers to use their positions to promote peace, tolerance and an electoral process free of violence.
He asked them to warn their subjects against thuggery, intimidation and other acts capable of disturbing the peace of the state.
The Governor emphasized that political differences should not become a reason for violence, and urged stakeholders to adopt issue-based campaigns and allow citizens to exercise their democratic rights freely.
“We cannot kill each other to reach a position. The campaign must be based on specific issues, not on religion or ethnicity. We are all Kogites,” he said.
He further charged the royal fathers to work with community leaders, youth and political actors to ensure that the elections are held in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect.
Ododo urged traditional rulers to remain neutral advocates of peace in their domains and prevent individuals or groups from using their communities as platforms for violence before, during or after the elections.
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