* Renews commitment to secures Kogi state.
In a bid to keep the environment in its natural form, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), Maj. -Gen Obinna Onubogu, has launched tree planting campaign at the 12 Brigade , Chari Maigumeri Barracks Lokoja, Kogi state.
This is as he assured the Government and people of Kogi state of the readiness of the troops under his command to respond proactively to any security challenge across the state.
Maj. -Gen. Onubogu gave the assurance today in Lokoja, when he paid his first official working visit to 12 Brigade NA, at Chari-Maigumeri Barracks Lokoja,
The GOC said , he was in the state to commiserate with Government and the people of the state over the ugly incidences of kidnapped University students in Osara, and bandits attack in Omala Local Government area in which 25 people lost their lives.
He noted that nothing would be spared to ensure that his Area of Responsibility (AOR) which included Kogi, remained safe and secured.
“We have been able to significantly reduce most issues of kidnappings and communal clashes in the state.
“Just recently we have had two incidents of kidnapped students at Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) and Fulani herdsmen attack Omala LGA in Kogi east.
“In those attacks, the troops of NA in collaboration with other security agencies were able to curb the incidence, and reassured the citizens of their safety.
“So, when you talk of the successes, we have been able to rescue almost all the students that were kidnapped in the university, as well as conduct patrols and visit to other communal areas where there were clashes”, he said
The GOC commended Gov. Ahmed Ododo, for his prompt visit to those affected communities to reassure the citizens of their safety as well as meeting with traditional rulers in the area to ensure peace.
The GOC added: “So, by and large, our roles in aiding the civil authority within Kogi are being accomplished successfully”.
Gen. Onubogu noted that it was important he visited the troops of 12 Brigade to motivate and reassure them that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. -Gen. Taureed Lagbaja, is fully behind them in all their operations.
He commended the Commander of 12 Brigade, Brig Gen. Haruna Dasuki, for his efforts and commitment of the troops to safeguarding lives and property in Kogi.
“I can assure you that the security in Kogi will continue to get better every passing day,” Onubogu stated.
The GOC thanked the Kogi State Government for providing the facilities for the troops to remain in their operational units.
“The Kogi State Government has been supportive and we are very grateful,” he added.
While leading the GOC to inspect and commission some projects executed in the barracks by 12 Brigade Commander, Brig Gen Dasuki, appealed for more life transforming projects to be sited in the barracks.
Meanwhile, the Army boss urged officers and soldiers to plant trees within the premises so as beautify and shield the environment from the scorching sun.
