The Kogi State government has reiterated its stance against negotiating with criminal elements amid rising incidents of kidnapping across the state.

Kogi, one of the North Central states grappling with increased criminal activity, has recorded several abductions in recent weeks.

Last week, armed bandits launched two separate attacks in Yagba East Local Government Area, though security operatives later rescued five abducted victims. Another incident occurred in Yagba West Local Government Area, where a pastor and his wife were seized during a church service.

Speaking on a national television, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, stated that the government would not bow to criminal pressure.

“In Kogi State, we don’t negotiate. The governor has made it clear that he will not bow to any criminal,” Fanwo said. “We have the capacity to take them out and deal with the situation, so we are not going to negotiate with any of them.”

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Fanwo confirmed that two people were killed during an exchange of gunfire between security personnel and the kidnappers, expressing regret over the loss. He, however, noted that the government’s tough stance has deterred many criminal groups.

“We did not negotiate with any criminal, and we are not interested in doing so,” he emphasized.

The Commissioner added that the state will continue to deploy all available security resources to confront and eliminate criminal threats.

Source: Channels