By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
GOVERNOR Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State following his earlier order, has supervised the demolition of a structure housing the popular “Sambel Joint” in Idoji, Okene Local Government Area.
The Thursday morning demolition, according to Governor Ododo, followed credible intelligence reports linking the facility with criminal activities.
The demolition came hours after the State Government issued a press statement invalidating all fraudulently and illegally acquired properties across the state, declaring them null, void, and of no legal effect.
The statement had warned that any property found to have been illegally acquired or used for criminal purposes would be reclaimed by the government, while those involved would be prosecuted.
In line with the directive, properties located at GP. 23A, 23B, 24A & 24B (Government Quarters, Idoji, Okene), with Certificate of Occupancy number KG. 13958, were invalidated and demolished.
Government sources disclosed that the properties violated the Kogi State Land Administration Law as well as the Anti-Kidnapping Law, having been unlawfully occupied and converted into operational bases for criminal activities.
According to the Governor, investigations revealed that the demolished properties belong to the government but were illegally taken over and converted into criminal operational bases.
He said that sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering revealed that the location had become a haven for criminals, posing serious security threats to the area.
Governor Ahmed Usman, speaking during the demolition exercise, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to security, stressing that the protection of lives and livelihoods remains his foremost responsibility.
“We are here to carry out an action that is in the best interest of our people. What I swore to do is to protect the lives and livelihoods of my people, and as such, I will always work to secure my people”, the Governor declared.
Governor Ododo recalled that in a proclamation made in December, 2025 he had made it clear that any property found to be harbouring criminals would be demolished, while all occupants and collaborators would be prosecuted.
“This is not new. We already made it clear that any house being used to harbour criminals will go down. These are proactive measures to curb criminality in Kogi State,” he said.
The Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continued support in strengthening security across the state.
“I sincerely appreciate my leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the support he is giving us and for the service he is rendering to ensure that our state is secured from criminal activities that some of our people unfortunately encourage,” he said.
Ododo issued a stern warning to criminals and their collaborators, vowing that his administration would show no tolerance for crime in any part of the state.
“I will never negotiate with any criminal. We will take the fight to them anywhere they are. If you harbour criminals, your house will go down. If you keep criminals, your house will go down”, the Governor warned. (Ends)