Gov Bello: Kogi records 167 kidnap cases in one year

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna.

The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has disclosed that before now the state had recorded about 167 cases of kidnapping in a year but has overcome the trends sequel to security synergy in the state.
Bello who made known in an interview with reporters in Minna after the passing out parade of 465 Niger and Kogi police recruit constables for 2017/2017 who were trained in Niger State capital.
The governor said that the state government considering its strategic position has overcome the menace sequel to the synergy and strategies put in place by the security agencies, “Kogi is now safe for both travelers and investors as the security challenges has been brought to the barest minimum”.
He further explained that in 2015 the state recorded between 11-33 monthly kidnapping cases noted that measures were put in place which includes: community policing, provision of 150 Hilux vehicles for security patrols and surveillance, Kogi vigilantes’ service operation where about 3,000 of them were engaged.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Commander Jerry Omodara rtd said the state government had within 7 months demolished 18 houses used as hideouts for kidnappers and would continue to do so to make Kogi a safe place for all.
Speaking, the Inspector General of Police IGP, Ibrahim Idris Kpotun said that the new recruited police to be posted to their various communities to ensure community policing.
He added that two of the recruits each are to be posted to FCT and training school Minna.
He appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to approve the police recruitment of 31,000 yearly in five years to enhance international standard of one police to 400 persons rather than the current one police to over 600 persons.
Represented by Deputy Inspector General, DIG, Shuaibu Gambo Lawal applauded the President for his approval to recruit 10,000 in 2016 for Police officers and men for effective and efficient service delivery of securing lives and properties as well as enforcement of law and order in the country.
The Niger state governor who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso assured to give security agencies its required logistic support and assistance in carrying out their responsibility of safeguarding the people.
He added that the agency needed to develop new and appropriate strategies to counter all forms of criminal tendencies so as to earn confidence and support of the public hence to shun acts capable of affecting the reputation of the force.