The Kogi state government on Thursday ordered the security agencies to raid a bandits camp in the outskirts of Aherin-Bunu community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The operation was carried out by joint security forces, including the Military, Police and Vigilantes led by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd), who set the entire camp on fire.
Omodara explained that two suspected kidnappers who sustained gunshot injuries in the ongoing onslaught against criminals across the state hid in the bandit camp, receiving local treatment.
He said, “This is a settlement under the Aherin community in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area. About five days ago, at about 11 pm, I received an Intel that we have some of those we have confronted in the fight against banditry in Kogi State.
“Two of them are receiving treatment in a settlement around Ahenri in Kabba Bunu Local Government.
“In a swift reaction, before 4:30 am, I deployed some security personnel and our hunters and the vigilantes there to ensure that the information didn’t spread and they didn’t escape. They sustain injuries from gunshots in the course of fighting bandits.”
Omodara further explained that when “Security agencies like the Army, the DSS, the Nigerian Police came down to the very Location in the forest, and they were picked. I reported back to the Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, who directed that any house that criminals and bandits are using for treatment, such a house must be demolished.
“We are here now, and you know how far we have gone into the forest since morning. The house you are seeing here was the house we picked from two of them. We have been able to saturate everywhere that they don’t have a hiding place in our state anyone and it is difficult to see them inside the town again.
“Two fake doctors and another nurse who are treating them were also arrested by the joint security forces.”
He noted that the bandits preferred to choose remote places like the Aherin community for treatment, and after their treatment, they go back to the business.
“We will not accept that, and we are not going to allow it. That is why the Governor said, Get down to that place and demolish their house.
We are not going to entertain or spare anyone perpetrating crime in Kogi State,” Omidara said.
