Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has banned night arrests across the state, directing security agencies to desist from invading homes and apprehending residents at night.

Mr Ododo gave the directive on Monday in Lokoja while addressing first-class traditional rulers in the state.

He said security agencies must follow due process in making arrests, stressing that citizens should not be harassed, intimidated or unlawfully detained.

“No arrest should be made in the night. If you have any case against anybody, wait till daytime, follow due process and invite the person lawfully.

“We will not allow our people to be harassed, intimidated or picked up like criminals in the middle of the night,” he said.

The governor said the directive was aimed at protecting the dignity and fundamental rights of citizens, adding that security operations must be civil, lawful and humane.

He urged the traditional rulers to report any security personnel who violated the directive, assuring them that his administration would not tolerate abuse of power.

Mr Ododo commended President Bola Tinubu for his support for Kogi and other parts of the country, particularly in infrastructure, security and the timely release of federal allocations.

He described the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene-Benin Highway as evidence of the federal government’s commitment to infrastructure development and economic integration.

The governor also appreciated the traditional rulers for their contributions to peace and security in the state, noting that some of them had supported security operations through prayers, guidance and personal resources.

He, however, warned against local collaboration with criminals, particularly the provision of food, logistics and information to criminal elements operating in the bush.

Mr Ododo specifically cautioned woodcutters against aiding criminal elements, directing traditional rulers to engage their associations and warn members against such activities.

“If you are caught aiding criminals, we will not spare you, even if you are my brother,” he warned.

He said measures to block criminals’ supply routes and shut down compromised markets were already yielding results.

On political activities ahead of the forthcoming general elections, Ododo urged traditional rulers to promote peace, tolerance and issue-based campaigns in their domains.

“We cannot be killing ourselves to get to a position. Campaign should be issue-based, not about religion or ethnicity. We are all Kogi citizens,” he said.

He urged the royal fathers to remain neutral peace advocates and work with community leaders, youths and political stakeholders to prevent thuggery, intimidation, violence and other acts capable of disrupting the electoral process.

The governor also called for support for the chief of army staff and other security agencies, stressing that the safety of security personnel was essential to their ability to protect citizens.

He appealed to the traditional rulers to caution their subjects against violence before, during and after the elections and ensure that citizens were allowed to exercise their democratic rights freely and peacefully. 

(NAN)