Gloria Ogbu
The Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has directed the suspension of the Ohi of Eganyi and Chairman, Ajaokuta Traditional Area Council, Alhaji Musa Achuja with immediate effect.
In a letter to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kogi State, the governor also directed that the Chairman of Ajaokuta Local Government Area, Hon. Mustapha Aka’aba, be queried over the breach and should reply within 24 hours.
According to report, three policemen and five members of local vigilantes were killed on Saturday when suspected bandits ambushed a security team put together by the Divisional Police Officer of Ajaokuta Divisional office in response to an intelligence report of suspected bandits invading farms and engaging in illegal activities in the area.
The governor made this known in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mohammed Onogwu on Sunday.
The statement reads in part: “The governor strongly warned other traditional rulers across the state who may have connection in one way or the other with criminal elements in their domains to desist forthwith, saying that his administration will deal ruthlessly with anybody who romances with criminal elements no matter how highly placed they are.”
Governor Bello also directed that all unofficial movements of the local government council chairmen out of their territory and other journeys without due process are hereby restricted.
The governor warned that no amount of connivance with criminals would deter him from his fundamental responsibility of protecting lives and property of the citizens and residents of the state.