*THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLICITY SECRETARY, THE NEW NIGERIA PROJECT, KOGI STATE CHAPTER* .

PRESS RELEASE

By Innocent IDAJILI

The State Chairman/ Coordinator of the New Nigeria Project (TNP) Alhaji HAJOHS Yusuf Lokoja, condemns in the strongest terms the gruesome murder of two innocent individuals, Mr. Black and Sunday Aiyedero, by unknown gunmen in Odo-Ape community, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire Odo-Ape community.

The recurring incidents of kidnapping and banditry in the area are alarming and unacceptable. The fact that no less than seven persons have been kidnapped in the community within the last three months is a clear indication of the desperation of the criminals to hold the entire community hostage.

We acknowledge the efforts of the state government in combating insecurity in the state so far in collaboration with security agencies, but urge them, nonetheless, to intensify their efforts by providing adequate security for the people.

We equally enjoin the security agencies in the comply with Governor Ododo:s directive to arrest the perpetrators of this heinous act.

The youths of Odo-Ape community have every right to protest and demand attention.

We support their call for intervention and urge the federal government to take immediate action to address the security challenges in the area.

We also emphasize the need for the Odo-Ape community to raise a local security outfit to protect their people. This outfit should work in collaboration with security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the community.

We urge the federal government to deploy anti-kidnapping teams to Kogi State and Kogi West to track and apprehend kidnappers.

Provide security equipment, such as vehicles and communication gadgets, to security agencies in the state.

Support community policing initiatives in the state to ensure the involvement of local residents in security operations.

TNP will continue to monitor the situation in Odo-Ape community and Kogi State as a whole, and we urge the federal government and security agencies to take immediate action to address the security challenges in the area.