Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has told criminal elements to stay away from the state, warning that Kogi is not a fertile ground for criminality.

Mr Ododo warned while speaking to journalists shortly after observing his Eid-el-Kabir prayer on Sunday at Okene Eid Praying ground.

The governor said the perpetrators behind the kidnapped students of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, came to test his administration’s capacity but faced the consequences.

“They came to test the waters, to find out what our reactions will be, and truly, they faced the consequences of their actions.

“Kogi is not a fertile land for anybody to come and trade free in terms of crimes and criminality.

“They have come and they have seen the results; if they dare come in their numbers they will go back in their zeros.

“I can’t tell you what awaits them, but I hope they will never try it again,” Mr Ododo said.

He said the government was able to rescue 29 out of the 31 kidnapped CUSTECH students, adding that unfortunately two were killed by the abductors.

Mr Ododo prayed to God to rest their souls and comfort their family members.

“Security is one of our top priorities and responsibilities in Kogi; that is why we are doing everything possible with the support of Mr President to make sure that every soul in this state is protected and secured,” he said.

Mr Ododo appreciated the heads of all security agencies, vigilantes, and hunters for working together to protect the lives and property of the citizenry.

Regarding the prompt payment of workers’ salaries, Mr Ododo said the government was fulfilling its responsibilities to the citizens and not doing them a favour.

Mr Ododo commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in the nation and urged Nigerians to continue to support him by supporting all his programmes and policies.

“I urge the people of Kogi and the entire Nigerians to continue to pray for our leaders, especially Mr President so that we can jointly pull ourselves out of this inherited economic crisis,” he said.

The governor admonished the people to use the Sallah celebration to remember the less privileged by showing them kindness and

(NAN)