Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has ordered the demolition of properties linked to criminal activities in the state, beginning with a notorious structure popularly known as Sambel Joint in Idoji, Okene Local Government Area
The demolition followed credible intelligence reports linking the facility to criminal operations. It came shortly after the Kogi State Government issued a statement invalidating all properties that were fraudulently or illegally acquired across the state, declaring such properties null, void, and without legal backing.
According to the government, any property found to have been illegally acquired or used for criminal purposes will be reclaimed, while those involved will face prosecution.
In line with this directive, properties located at GP 23A, 23B, 24A, and 24B in the Government Quarters area of Idoji, Okene, with Certificate of Occupancy number KG.13958, were demolished after investigations confirmed they were unlawfully acquired and used as hideouts by criminal elements.
Government sources disclosed that the affected properties violated provisions of the Kogi State Land Administration Law and the Anti-Kidnapping Law, having been illegally occupied and converted into operational bases for criminal activities. Sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering reportedly showed that the location had become a haven for criminals, posing serious security threats to residents and commuters.
Speaking during the demolition exercise, Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
“I have sworn to protect the lives and livelihoods of my people. This action is in the best interest of our citizens, and we will continue to take decisive steps to secure Kogi State,” the governor said.
He recalled a proclamation made in December, warning that any property found to be harbouring criminals would be demolished and those involved prosecuted.
“This is not new. We made it clear that any house used to harbour criminals will be brought down. These are proactive measures to curb criminality in the state,” Ododo stated.
The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support in strengthening security in Kogi State.
According to Ododo, investigations revealed that the demolished structures were government-owned properties that had been illegally taken over and converted into criminal operational bases.
“This demolition is meant to restore peace and ensure that our people live without fear. Criminals had taken over this property, and once we realised their activities were causing unrest, we took a bold decision,” he explained.
Governor Ododo issued a stern warning to criminals and their collaborators, stressing that his administration would not negotiate with criminal elements.
“If you harbour criminals, your house will go down. We will take the fight to criminals wherever they are,” he warned.
Security sources confirmed that the location had been under close monitoring following repeated complaints from residents about suspicious movements and activities capable of breaching public peace.
Residents of the Idoji community commended the governor’s swift intervention, describing the demolition as timely and necessary. One resident, Mallam Raji Sanni, said the demolished structure had long served as a hideout for criminals terrorising the area, praising the government for restoring safety to the community.
Governor Ododo reiterated that Kogi State would not serve as a safe haven for criminals, stressing that peace and security remain central to his administration’s development agenda.
