Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, on Tuesday, warned against attempts by some politicians to politicise the security challenges of both the federal and state governments.

Mr Ododo gave the warning in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, in Lokoja, the state capital.

“This government is urging stakeholders to avoid spreading fear or politicising the state’s security challenges,” Mr Ododo said.

He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment to combating insecurity for the safety of Kogi residents and desired development.

“We, hereby, reaffirm our unwavering commitment to combating insecurity. Therefore, all residents, especially political actors and media stakeholders, should avoid spreading fear or politicising the state’s security challenges.

“Our administration is quietly but effectively recording progress in its fight against criminal elements, particularly kidnappers within the state,” the governor said.

According to him, the gains recorded so far are not coincidental but resulted from well-planned strategies and deep institutional engagements aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of every resident of Kogi.

Mr Ododo sympathised with families affected by recent attacks in the state and stressed that such incidents should not be used to spread misinformation or panic.

“The politicisation of insecurity by certain desperate politicians only undermines our collective fight against crime.

“Those who brought medicines whose side effects were worse than the ailments should not raise frivolous alarms when the right medicines are administered.

“According to credible intelligence, the rise in security threats in parts of Kogi is linked to regional shifts, especially as intensified security operations in the North-East and North-West have forced criminal elements to migrate toward the North-Central, including Kogi,” he stated.

The governor urged politicians to focus on performance as a tool for re-election rather than raising panic, saying performers do not fear re-election.

He lauded President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the service chiefs, and local security outfits, such as the vigilante service and hunters group, for their unwavering support.

(NAN)