The Kogi State Government has raised alarm over alleged collaboration between some youths and women in Okun land and armed bandits operating in the area.
State Security Adviser, Jerry Omadara, disclosed this during a visit to the palace of the Elegbe of Egbe, Oba Ayodele Irukera, while giving an update on ongoing security operations in Kogi West.
According to Omadara, intelligence reports revealed that some Okun youths use motorcycles to transport weapons and food to bandits hiding in forests.
He added that at least seven youths are already under close watch for allegedly being on the payroll of the criminal groups.
“Regrettably, the bandits are now operating with the support of some indigenes. Women sell food items such as bread and soft drinks to them and even pass sensitive information.
Some youths convey ammunition into the bush for peanuts, while some women have gone as far as becoming the bandits’ girlfriends,” Omadara said.
He further alleged that residents in parts of Yagba West had paid protection money to bandits to avoid being kidnapped, warning that the government would expose such collaborators in due course.
Omadara vowed that the state government would treat anyone found aiding bandits as terrorists, stressing that the administration remains committed to rooting out criminal elements across the state.
“We have arrested and killed many of their leaders, and we will continue until our communities are safe and our people can return to their farms,” he stated.
He also urged Okun youths to channel their energy into agriculture, noting that the state has invested heavily in farm inputs to boost food production and improve livelihoods.