Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi has ordered the immediate suspension of the Ohi of Eganyi and the chairman, Ajaokuta Traditional Area Council, Musa Achuja.

Mr Bello’s directives followed an investigation that led to the traditional ruler’s arrest and detention by security agencies.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Bello’s media aide, Onogwu Mohammed, on Sunday.

The governor’s directive is in a letter to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

In the letter, Mr Bello also directed that the chairman of Ajaokuta Local Government Area of the state, Mustapha Aka’and, be queried over the breach and should reply within 24 hours.

The governor’s directive against the affected persons was in connection with the recent security breach in the area, which led to the untimely deaths of some security personnel on their legitimate engagements of maintaining law and orders.

The governor strongly warned other traditional rulers across the state who might have connections in one way or the other with criminal elements in their domains to desist forthwith.

Mr Bello reiterated that his administration would deal ruthlessly with anybody who romanced with criminal elements, no matter how highly placed they were.

The governor also directed that all unofficial movements of the local government council chairmen out of their territory and other journeys without due process were hereby restricted

He warned that no amount of connivance with criminals would deter him from his fundamental responsibility of protecting the lives and property of residents of the state. 

(NAN)