Ododo Hails KSM Fund, Highlights Major Anti-Banditry Victories

By Ugbede James Ankpa

The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has commended the Knights of Saint Mulumba (KSM) Nigeria Endowment Fund and Integrated Charity Initiative, describing its mission as closely aligned with his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and restoring hope to victims of violence.

He made the remarks while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the unveiling of the Fund held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Durumi, Abuja.
Governor Ododo disclosed that Kogi State had recorded major security successes, including the neutralisation of two notorious banditry kingpins who had terrorised communities across seven states. He said the state strengthened its security architecture by integrating 2,752 vigilantes into a structured framework, equipping over 1,050 hunters across the 21 local government areas, establishing a Quick Response Unit, procuring 50 armoured patrol vehicles, deploying combat drones, and partnering with the Nigerian Army to establish the 21 Battalion Barracks in Anyigba.
According to the Governor, Kachalla Kabiru, described as the coordinator of banditry and kidnapping across Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Enugu, Edo, Ekiti and Ondo states, was neutralised in February through a joint operation involving the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Air Force. He added that another notorious kingpin, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo, and more than 15 gang members were eliminated in June during an operation that also foiled a planned mass abduction of students writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination in Iluke community.
Governor Ododo expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing air support to Kogi State and for the ₦5.41 trillion defence and security allocation in the 2026 budget. He also highlighted the state’s social intervention programmes, including the rehabilitation of 88 Primary Health Care Centres, the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme, free education and examination registration, and empowerment initiatives for widows, orphans and displaced persons. He praised Kogi indigenes serving in key KSM leadership positions and urged faith-based organisations to establish lasting support systems for victims of violence. The KSM Endowment Fund, initiated by Supreme Knight Sir Steve Zakari Adehi, SAN, aims to raise an initial capital base of ₦2 billion, with investment proceeds dedicated to seven charity pillars.