By Muslimat Itopa
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has commiserated with the people of Kupa in Lokoja Local Government Area over the recent communal crisis that claimed lives and disrupted peace in the community.
Governor Ododo gave the assurance during a visit to Kupa on Tuesday, where he expressed sympathy to the Maiyaki of Kupa, His Royal Highness, Kabir Isa Dauda III, families of the deceased and the entire community.
The crisis, which reportedly started as a disagreement between two individuals, later degenerated into violence affecting Kupa and neighbouring communities, including Guchidan, Mikugi and Abugi.
The governor said the visit was to personally sympathise with the people over the loss of lives recorded in the crisis about two weeks ago.
He explained that his administration was concerned about the challenges confronting the community, noting that the visit afforded him the opportunity to see the pressing needs of the people.
Ododo identified poor road network, inadequate classroom facilities and poor healthcare delivery as some of the areas requiring urgent government attention.
He commended the Maiyaki of Kupa for his efforts in maintaining peace in the domain and urged residents to support efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace.
On security, the governor said his administration was working with relevant security agencies to strengthen the security architecture of the area to prevent a recurrence.
He also promised to direct the commissioners for health and agriculture to take immediate steps to address the needs of the community in those sectors.
Governor Ododo also promised immediate intervention in the construction and rehabilitation of roads linking Kupa with neighbouring communities, adding that improved road infrastructure would enhance economic activities and ease the transportation of farm produce.
He cautioned residents against allowing themselves to be used by politicians as agents of violence and destruction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, the Maiyaki of Kupa, Oba Dauda, thanked the governor for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of government’s commitment to restoring peace and development in the area.
According to him, the governor’s presence has given the people renewed hope that lasting peace will return to the community.
The monarch lauded the recent resolution by the Kogi State House of Assembly aimed at addressing the crisis and restoring peace in Kupa.
He called for the establishment of a Divisional Police Headquarters in Kupa to strengthen security and improve response time, and appealed to the state government to construct the Jamata-Kakanda-Budon Road to ease movement of agricultural produce and boost the local economy.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Aliu Umar, said the governor’s visit had rekindled hope for development in the area.
Umar assured the community of the Assembly’s support and pledged continued collaboration with the executive arm to address the challenges facing Kupa and restore sustainable peace.
The governor was accompanied by top government officials.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings