Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has ordered the suspension of the Ohi of Eganyi and Chairman, Ajaokuta Traditional Area Council, HRH Alhaji Musa Isah Achuja with immediate effect.
The Chairman of the Ajaokuta Local Government Area has also been queried after three policemen and five members of the state’s vigilanté group were killed by bandits in a community in the area.
The traditional ruler’s suspension is contained in a statement signed by the media aide to the governor, Mr.Onogwu Muhammed in Lokoja.
In a letter to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kogi State, Bello also directed that the Chairman of Ajaokuta Local Government Area, Mustapha Aka’aba, be queried over the security breach, adding that he should reply within 24 hours.
Bello warned other traditional rulers across the state who might have connection, in one way or the other, with criminal elements in their domains to desist forthwith.
According to the governor, his administration would deal ruthlessly with anybody who romances with criminal elements, no matter how highly placed he or she may be.
The governor further warned that no amount of connivance with criminals would deter him from his fundamental responsibility of protecting lives and property of the citizens and residents of the state.
Bello also directed that all unofficial movements of the local government council chairmen in the state, out of their territory and other journeys without due process, had been restricted.