Continuous Ethnic Clashes/Kidnapping: Kogi indigenes call for immediate sack of State Security Adviser, Omodara, says Security has collapsed under his watch

In response to the resurgence of security concerns in Kogi state especially continous ethnic clashes, abduction, killings and robbery, indigenes of the state have called on Governor Usman Ododo to relieve the State Security Adviser, retired Navy Cdr. Jerry Omodara rtd of his duty with immediate effect.

The indigenes say Omodara has had an unduly prolonged stay in office and no more adds the needed value to drive the visions of the new government in line with the security of Kogites and residents.

Our correspondent had visited Lokoja, the state capital where a section of the indigenes were interviewed on what their views are on the growing insecurity across the state.

They were in unison in their call for the immediate rejig of the security architecture in the state, beginning with the immediate sack of the State Security Adviser Omodara who they said he was not an intelligence driven Naval officer but a mere protocol and Media related official in the Navy prior to his retirement, they insist that the state needs a thoroughbred who is vast in intelligence gathering and security control.

Recall that the North Central state has in recent times witnessed growing record of security challenges especially since the current administration came into place.

In February, gunmen had kidnapped nine travellers who took off from the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall, Kabba in Oshokoshoko, along the Kabba/Obajana/Lokoja Road in the State and demanded N2.6m ransom.

Also in the same month, 13 passengers travelling from the south-east to Abuja, were kidnapped in Inyele Eteke, Olalamaboro LGA of the state.

The Ibo Community in Kogi state have been confirmed to be the worst hit due to.their business interest, they become victims of serial kidnapp. Our reporter gathered that when the Ibo Community got fed up recently, they observed a one day sit at home in Lokoja and Kabba in order to show their frustration and problem, an act that made all market stores in the communities affected to close down business activities for that day.

The number of kidnapping that have taken place in 2024 alone have gone to an alarming stage that suggest for immediate change or redeployment of the State Security Adviser.

Several robbery cases have also been recorded across the state, even as the Security Adviser appears helpless to deal with the situation.

The latest occurred on Friday when unidentified hoodlums invaded Agojeju-Odo, a community in Omala Local Government Area of the State, shot community members and burnt houses without any arrest made or prior intelligence gathered.

According to residents who spoke to our correspondents, Omodara has no fresh ideas to bring on board as he has exhausted any idea he has on the management of security in the state since last administration where he also served in the same capacity.

They therefore called on the governor to replace him with a more vibrant and energetic Adviser who will bring fresh strategic approach on ways to address burgeoning security issues in the state.