The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Thursday ordered the demolition of a notorious criminal hideout known as Sambel Joint in Idoji, Okene Local Government Area.
This decisive action followed credible intelligence linking the property to criminal activities.
The demolition came shortly after the Kogi State Government issued a press statement invalidating all fraudulently and illegally acquired properties across the state, declaring them null and void.
The government warned that any property found to be illegally obtained or used for criminal purposes would be reclaimed, and offenders prosecuted.
Properties at Government Quarters Idoji—specifically GP. 23A, 23B, 24A, and 24B—bearing Certificate of Occupancy number KG. 13958, were demolished after investigations confirmed illegal acquisition and use as criminal operational bases.
The properties violated both the Kogi State Land Administration Law and the Anti-Kidnapping Law.
Governor Ododo, speaking during the demolition, reiterated his administration’s commitment to security.
“We are here to carry out an action that is in the best interest of our people. I swore to protect the lives and livelihoods of my people, and I will always work to secure them,” he said.
He recalled a December proclamation that any property harbouring criminals would be demolished and occupants prosecuted.
“This is not new. Any house used to harbour criminals will go down. These are proactive measures to curb criminality in Kogi State,” Ododo emphasized.
The Governor also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support in strengthening security across the state.
“I sincerely appreciate President Tinubu for his service in ensuring our state is secured from criminal activities that some unfortunately encourage,” Ododo added.
The demolished properties belonged to the state but were illegally occupied and converted into hideouts, causing unrest among residents.
“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,” Ododo warned firmly.
The operation aims to restore peace and allow residents to live without fear. “We want our people to sleep with both eyes closed,” he added.
Residents of Idoji welcomed the swift government intervention.
Mallam Raji Sanni told reporters the demolished structure had long harboured criminals terrorizing the community.
He commended Governor Ododo for liberating the people from the hoodlums’ grip.
Governor Ododo concluded by reaffirming that Kogi State will not be a safe haven for criminals, with peace and security central to his administration’s development agenda.
