All Riverine LGAs in Kogi get motorized canoes from Gov Bello to fight insecurity on State waterways.
By Mohammed Ahmed Yabagi
Knowing that criminals have continued to evolve means of escape after perpetrating their heinous crimes, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has demonstrated his resolve to match them wherever they are irrespective of where they operate.
To this end, the Govenror has on Friday donated speed boats to the six riverine Local Government Areas of the State to enable security outfits, especially the state vigilante men fight perpetrators of crime on the waterways.
The six Local Government Areas are; Ajaokuta, Bassa, Ibaji, Idah, Kogi (Kotonkarfe), and Lokoja.
Performing the donation on behalf of Governor Bello, the State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Chief Dr Engr Abubakar Bashir Gegu reiterated the commitment of the administration to fight criminals operating on the state highways.
He said many kidnappers and armed robbers have resorted to using the waterways as escape routes after perpetrating crime, hence the decision to assist security agents in curbing their excesses.
The current administration, he said, would not rest on its oars until criminals are rooted out of the state, stressing that the commitment to providing suitable environment for investments to thrive is an unyielding one.
To him, the speed boats were specially prepared for the purpose intended, adding that the intention is to bequeath a safe, secured, thriving state to the future.
He noted that the socioeconomic benefits of the gesture is also one that the LGAs would enjoy in the long run as it also capable of helping to evaquate victims of water related mishaps, if such unfortunate development occurs.
If well utilised, the Governor recalled that the boats were capable of contributing to the economy of the councils, especially as it concerns rural transportation in the form conveying goods across Rivers Niger and Benue – from one Community to the other.
He therefore enjoined the communities to take advantage by ensuring adequate care for the boats, stressing it is the only way he would be encouraged to do more for the state.
Receiving the speed boats on behalf of their LGAs, representatives of the councils expressed gratitude to the Governor for the gesture and promised to use them judiciously for the benefit of their people and the glory of Kogi State.