society
Kogi no longer safe for criminals under Yahaya Bello, IGP declares
Kogi no longer safe for criminals under Yahaya Bello, IGP declares
… We’ll resist desperate politicians’ attempts to plunge Kogi into pre-2015 insecurity era – Gov Bello
By Ifeoma Ikem
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, on Monday, described Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State as a dogged crime fighter who had made the state unsafe for criminals to thrive.
He said the Kogi Governor was one governor that would never raise the alarm of not being in control of security in his state, adding that from what he had observed, the governor “leads from the front”.
The IGP, who spoke during his visit to Kogi State, added that he was happy that Governor Bello was playing the role of the “real Chief Executive Officer” in terms of security, noting that he is “a dependable ally in the battle against national insecurity.”
He said, “I’ve never heard him crying that he doesn’t have control of security in his state. That is because he is able to synergise and cooperate with all the security agencies as well as lead from the front. Security is everybody’s business. When you have a leader who is leading from the front, others will follow. That is what is happening in Kogi.
“Many of the crimes being committed by sons and daughters of Kogi are not even being committed in Kogi but outside Kogi because they have no place in Kogi State again.
“We have people like His Excellency who are supporting our cause. My sincere gratitude to His Excellency for being proactive about security. I can’t remember how many times he has visited the force headquarters, not for himself because he has no reason to; but in his efforts to protect his people. I don’t know how many governors do this.”
In his address, Governor Bello reiterated the readiness of his administration to resist attempts by some desperate politicians to plunge the state into the pre-2015 era of insecurity in the guise of playing politics.
The governor said credible intelligence report at the disposal of the state government had revealed that actions of some politicians were capable of truncating the peace currently enjoyed in the state, stressing that his administration would not allow insecurity to be smuggled into Kogi through the “boot of politics”.
He seized the opportunity to appreciate and commend men of the Kogi State Police Command, currently under the command of CP Edward Chuka Egbuka, as well as those of the various security agencies operating in the state, saying, “They stand by day and by night to secure our lives and properties. We recognize their sacrifice and dedication and we do owe them a weight of gratitude for their service. Together they form a formidable wall of defence for my people and state.”
On how insecurity was tackled in Kogi, the governor said, “It is well known that prior to the inception of the current administration, our citizens lived in perpetual fear from rampaging insecurity of all kinds including high rates of terrorism, kidnapping, bank robbery, violent political agitations, pipeline vandalism, herdsmen/farmers conflicts, inter- and intra-communal clashes, campus and other forms of cultism, amongst others.
“By the grace of God, over the last 7 years my Administration has done its best to supply both the tools and the allied morale boosters that our officers need to excel. In our first year, we were able to buy and distribute over 200 patrol vans, over 500 motorcycles and thousands of communications and tactical equipment to the services. We also continue to provide regular maintenance and logistical support.
“In addition, we established a Joint Task Force, Operation Total Freedom, for them which allowed the Police, the Armed Forces and all the other Security Services, including our community policing network (the Kogi State Vigilante Services), to work in tandem, sharing intel and collaborating real-time in operations. In this way we were able to tackle the distrust existing among the services and which is the root of the lack of synergy hampering their effectiveness.”
Governor Bello attributed his success in security to the combined efforts of the state government and security agencies, saying, “On February 8th, 2017 I received the Special Award for Excellence In Security Governance confered on me by the then Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotun Idris. It was the first award of its kind on a sitting Governor by the Nigerian Police. Till today the Nigerian Police Force has not seen it fit to bestow it on any other.
“On December 26, 2020 Major-General MG Ali, Commander of the Special Forces Battalion of the Nigerian Army gave me a highly cherished honourable mention during a public speech and held up our security model as worthy of emulation by other leaders.
“On October 21, 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari presented me with the Distinguished Award for Security Management at the 2022 Nigerian Excellence Awards in Public, held in Abuja.”
Revival Atmosphere as Dominion City Launches Night of Glory 2026.
Lagos – The atmosphere was charged with faith, worship, and expectancy as Dominion City’s Global Camp Meeting 2026 entered its peak with the first day of the “Night of Glory,” drawing thousands of worshippers to Lagos and Enugu in a powerful display of spiritual revival.
Held at the Golden Heart Place, Ajah, Lagos, the Friday evening gathering marked a significant moment in the ongoing six-day conference themed “Redigging the Wells of Our Fathers.” Participants from across Nigeria and beyond converged both physically and online, united by a shared hunger for divine encounter and transformation.
From the outset, the meeting was characterised by intense worship sessions led by gospel ministers, creating an atmosphere many attendees described as “tangible with God’s presence.” The night quickly transitioned into sessions of fervent prayers, prophetic ministrations, and teachings centred on restoration, healing, and spiritual awakening.
Presiding over the meeting, Dr. David Ogbueli, founder of Dominion City, charged participants to reconnect with foundational truths and spiritual disciplines necessary for personal and societal transformation. He emphasised that the “Night of Glory” was designed as a moment of divine visitation where destinies could be reshaped.
“As we redig the wells of our fathers, we are reconnecting with ancient graces and covenant realities that produce undeniable results,” he declared.
As the night unfolded, several remarkable testimonies were shared, reinforcing the theme of supernatural intervention. Among them was the case of a 14-year-old girl who was reportedly delivered from a seven-year struggle with pornography addiction, an experience that drew emotional reactions from the congregation.
Other testimonies included reported healing from cancer, recovery from a severe skin infection attributed to spiritual affliction, the healing of a heart-related condition, and three years of a non-menstrual period. Attendees also recounted instances of restored hearing and sight, with individuals testifying to improvements from partial deafness and blindness, among others.
Fathers of faith present were Barrister Emeka Nwankpa, Pastor Yemi Ayodele, Rev. Pade Tokun, Apostle Gbenga Adegbenro, Rev. Mike Adegbile, and others. Other Ministers present, including Pastor Dr. Charles Ndifon, Pastor Randy Mitchell, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and others, reinforced messages of faith and the power of God to intervene in human situations. They encouraged worshippers to remain steadfast and receptive, noting that miracles often spring from an atmosphere of unwavering belief.
Beyond the miraculous, the gathering also underscored a broader call to moral and spiritual renewal. Church leaders reiterated the need for believers to embody values that can positively influence society, especially in a time of perceived moral decline.
The “Night of Glory” is part of the larger Global Camp Meeting, which began on April 1 and will run through April 6, featuring daily teachings, leadership sessions, and specialized programmes for youths and families.
Organisers say expectations remain high for the second night, with many believing that the wave of miracles and transformation witnessed on the first night is only the beginning.
For many attendees, however, the message was clear beyond the signs and wonders; the true essence of the gathering lies in a renewed commitment to live transformed lives and impact society. //END.//
Easter: Obasa Urges Christians To Embrace Hope, Unity, Renewal
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has congratulated Christian faithful in Lagos and across Nigeria on the celebration of Easter, urging them to draw strength from the lessons of Christ’s resurrection.
In his Easter message, released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Obasa described the season as a reminder of victory over despair, renewal after trials, and the triumph of light over darkness. He noted that just as Christ overcame death, Nigeria can overcome its current challenges if citizens remain steadfast, prayerful, and committed to unity.
“Easter is a season of hope and renewal. As a nation, we face economic pressures and security concerns, but the resurrection teaches us that no situation is beyond redemption. Let us roll away the stones of division and despair, and work together for peace, justice, and prosperity,” the Speaker said.
He called on Lagosians to continue to show love and compassion to one another, stressing that collective effort is key to building a stronger Lagos and a better Nigeria.
Obasa prayed that the joy of Easter would fill homes with renewed faith and guide both leaders and citizens toward a brighter future.
*PDP CHIEFTAIN, ONIRETI RESIGNS FROM PARTY, CITES PERSONAL REFLECTION
A former House of Representatives candidate, Olufemi Onireti, has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State.
His resignation was conveyed in a letter addressed to the Chairman of PDP Osupa Ward 9, Ogbomoso North Local Government, on Thursday.
Onireti described the decision as a difficult but necessary step after what he termed a period of “deep personal reflection.”
“I hereby formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately,” he wrote.
He acknowledged his years of active involvement in the party, including contesting for the House of Representatives in the last general election, noting that the PDP had offered him a platform for political participation, service, and growth.
Despite his exit, Onireti expressed appreciation to party leaders and members for the support he enjoyed over the years.
“I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve and for the relationships and experiences I gained during my time in the party.
I wish the party well in its future endeavours,” he added.
The development is expected to generate discussions within the Ogbomoso North political circle, as observers await his next political move.
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