By Kehinde Erin
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has praised the combined efforts of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Vigilantes, and other security agents for restoring peace to Bagana community and its surrounding areas in Omala Local Government Area.
This achievement is particularly significant, given the community’s recent history of conflict, which saw residents forced to flee their ancestral homes due to clashes between Agatu and suspected Fulani herdsmen from Benue State.
The Governor praised the Commander of the 12 Brigade for their tireless efforts in protecting the community and state, acknowledging their crucial role in maintaining peace and security. He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to serving the people and ensuring their safety and prosperity.
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The Governor reflected on his visit to Bagana a few months prior, where he made a commitment to establish a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the area to ensure the safety and security of the community.
Governor Ododo also pledged to restore the Bagana market to its former glory, ensuring his administration will take all necessary steps to revive the market.
He appealed to the people of Bagana and Omala to wholeheartedly embrace peace and cooperate with security agencies. He emphasized the importance of refraining from destructive tendencies, instead urging the community to prioritize peace and harmony at all times.
Gov Ododo noted that significant progress has been made in addressing the security challenges in Bagana, prompting his visit to assess the current situation firsthand.
The Governor recalled his previous visit, saying, “I left here with tears in my eyes, deeply moved by the situation. I made a solemn vow to restore peace to Bagana and Omala Local Government Area, and I am committed to fulfilling that promise,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in addressing the pressing issue of insecurity in Nigeria. This acknowledgment underscores the President’s commitment to restoring peace and stability across the country.
Naval Commander T. Senibo, who heads the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Bagana, has praised the Governor for establishing the base. According to Commander Senibo, the base will play a crucial role in combating insecurity challenges in Bagana, ensuring the area remains under constant security surveillance.
Honorable Mark Edigbo, Chairman of Omala Local Government, praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his tireless efforts in restoring peace to Bagana. The people are grateful and proud of the Governor’s dedication to the state’s well-being.
The Chairman praised Governor Ododo’s administration for successfully restoring peace to their community, noting that previous administrations had attempted to do so but were unsuccessful. This achievement is a testament to the current administration’s commitment to the community’s well-being and safety.
He assured the Governor that Omala would fully support him in the 2027 elections.
Apostle Peace Peter, a resident of Bagana community, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for successfully restoring peace to their community. Building on this progress. He respectfully urged the Governor to focus on rebuilding and restoring essential infrastructure, including the Bagana market, Police Post, Primary School, Township Hall, farm lands, and resident houses, which were lost during the crisis.
The protracted conflict between Agatu and suspected Fulani herdsmen from Benue State has had devastating consequences in Bagana, Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State. The crisis has resulted in the displacement of thousands of people and the destruction of properties valued at billions of naira.
The establishment of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) has marked a significant turning point for the people of Bagana community. As a result, residents are now slowly but surely returning to their ancestral homes, signaling a welcome return to normalcy and stability in the area.
