Worried by the spate of abductions in Kogi State, Governor Yahaya Bello has declared total war on kidnappers and cultists that have laid siege on the state, warning them to steer clear or be crushed. The governor, who gave the warning at the weekend in Lokoja following the kidnapping of a traditional ruler of Ellete Community, Aminu Ahmed Aku in Ajaokua Local Government Area of the state by yet-to-be identified gunmen. The monarch was reportedly kidnapped by suspected hoodlums along Ajaokuta- Lokoja road while coming from Adogo, headquarters of the local government area at about 9p.m. on Friday. Bello, while receiving the sad news, expressed optimism that the situation would soon change given his efforts to reduce crime rate in the state. He vowed to ensure that those behind the recent dastardly acts are fished out and made to face the full weight of the law. He said the kidnapping of the monarch ranked among the high profile cases of such acts in a very short time.

The governor further disclosed that he has donated 12 operational vehicles to law enforcement agencies in the state to help them combat crimes. He also urged the security agencies to step up action by embarking on aggressive manhunt for the criminals, who he said had constituted themselves into a threat to life, peace and security of the state through kidnapping and cultism.

The governor equally charged the community leaders in the state to close ranks with one another by being vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies in their areas. It would be recalled that the state was almost run over by kidnappers last year till early this year. Immediately after his inauguration on January 27, the governor swung into action to reduce the crime rate through effective mobilisation of security agencies in the state, in a bid for them to take drastic and positive measures.