By Muslimat Itopa
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has ordered the demolition of a popular joint in Idoji known as Sambel in Okene Local Government Area, following intelligence reports that the area had been taken over by criminals and used as a hideout for various illegal activities.
Speaking with journalists during the demolition exercise in Okene on Thursday Governor Ododo said the action was part of his administration’s commitment to securing lives and property across the state.
He explained that since assuming office on January 27, 2024, his priority has remained the protection of citizens and their means of livelihood.
“I was sworn in on the 27th of January 2024, and by January 27, 2026, I will be two years in office. What I swore to do is to protect the lives and livelihoods of my people, and I will continue to work toward that,” the governor stated.
Governor Ododo revealed that investigations showed that the property, which is government-owned, was fraudulently taken over by individuals who allowed criminal elements to operate freely, thereby causing fear and unrest among residents of the area.
“The solution you are seeing here today is to give our people the needed security they deserve. We discovered that criminals had taken over this property. Although it belongs to the government, it was fraudulently occupied by individuals. When we realized that activities here were creating insecurity and unrest, we had to take bold decisions,” he said.
The governor emphasized that his administration would not negotiate with criminals under any circumstances, warning that security agencies had been directed to confront criminal elements wherever they are found.
“I will never negotiate with criminals. We will fight them wherever they are. That is why we are here today to carry out this exercise. This is Okene, and it is an example to others,” he added.
Governor Ododo also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and leadership in strengthening security across the country.
He further issued a stern warning to residents, stating that anyone found harbouring criminals would face severe consequences. “Any house used to shelter criminals will be brought down,” he warned.
Reacting to the demolition, a resident of Idoji, Hajia Sefinat Yusuf, said the community had been living in fear before the intervention of the government
She disclosed that unknown persons had earlier fenced the area without the consent of residents.
“Before today, some unknown people came and fenced this place without permission. We were very scared, but we thank God for the swift intervention of our governor,” she said.
According to her, the demolition has restored peace and confidence among residents of the area. “We are happy now. We can sleep with our two eyes closed, and we can move freely without fear,” she added.
The demolition exercise is part of the Kogi State Government’s ongoing efforts to flush out criminal hideouts and restore lasting peace across communities in the state.
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