Monarchs, residents laud Bello for improved security in Kogi

Traditional rulers and residents of Kogi State have applauded Governor Yahaya Bello for improved security in the state, following the clearing of weeds on select roads in the state.

The commendation came on the heels of road-clearing project embarked upon by the Bello-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration. Bello had ordered the clearing following the discovery of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), guns, live ammunition and other dangerous weapon in a forest between Kogi and Edo states by security agents. These discoveries underlined the dangers of thick vegetation along highways in the state.

Governor Bello had, upon receipt of the security reports, ordered that the thick vegetation being used as hideouts and ambush spots by the criminals should be cleared.

The project, being handled by Stardust Construction Works, an indigenous firm, will be done in phases. According to the governor, so far, Ganaja to Ajaokuta, Okene to Ajaokuta, Okene to Okpella, Itobe to Anyangba, Anyangba to Egume Okuru, Ejule to Alooma, Obia junction to Kabba, Okira to Ankpa, Ofu to Idah and Alooma to Otukpa have all been made safe.

Explaining the scope and essence of the project, the Managing Director of Stardust, Patrick Idoko, said the project was being implemented to reduce criminal activities.

The distance of clearing, 22 metres on both sides of the road, will invariably afford the road-user visibility of up to 500 metres, Idoko said, adding that it would be of immense impact if governments of states that share boundaries with Kogi could replicate the project.

“Aside the advantage of better visibility, the clearing of dense vegetation along these roads also presents the possibility for road expansion in the future,” Idoko said. Already, residents and road-users along these areas are feeling the immediate impact of the project, The Guardian gathered.

The Elesiio of Iwaa Land, Oba Francis Mibole, who commended Bello for the project, said, “This is the best project I have ever seen being carried out by the Kogi State government led by Yahaya Bello.”