On Wednesday, Governor Alhaji Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State announced the apprehension of the individuals responsible for the recent crisis in Bagana, Omala Local Government Area, where approximately 25 casualties occurred last week.
The assailants, believed to be armed herdsmen, not only caused loss of lives but also inflicted substantial damage to property valued at millions of naira within the community.
Addressing journalists after the Eid-el-Fitri prayers at the Okene Central Prayer Ground, the governor revealed that both the perpetrators and their backers had been captured. He emphasized that an ongoing investigation aims to determine the level of involvement of the detained individuals.
In response to critics of his administration, Governor Ododo dismissed them as “noisemakers” and individuals lacking a vested interest in governance, asserting that his mandate does not include engaging with such individuals.
“The Bagana crisis in Omala Local Government Area is not a recent occurrence but dates back to 1978, spanning over 45 years. Our administration is diligently working to restore peace to the area,” the governor stated.
He further disclosed that suspected sponsors have been apprehended, with investigations ongoing. These arrests have yielded valuable information expected to lead to the capture of additional suspects. Once the investigation concludes, the findings will be made public.
However, Governor Ododo refrained from disclosing the exact number of suspects currently in custody.
