Kogi demolishes suspected criminal hideout in Okene

The Kogi State Government has demolished an alleged notorious structure, popularly known as Sambel Joint, located at Idojii community, a suburb of Okene. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Thursday, ordered the demolition of the structure following credible intelligence reports linking the facility to criminal activities in the area. The demolition came hours after the Kogi […]

The Kogi State Government has demolished an alleged notorious structure, popularly known as Sambel Joint, located at Idojii community, a suburb of Okene.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Thursday, ordered the demolition of the structure following credible intelligence reports linking the facility to criminal activities in the area.

The demolition came hours after the Kogi State Government announced that it had invalidated all fraudulently and illegally acquired properties across the state.

The governor noted that the destroyed 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.

The government, in a statement, said, “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 this morning invalidated and demolished after investigations confirmed that they were illegally acquired and being used as hideouts for criminal elements”.

The government noted further 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.

The Governor who supervised the demolition said investigations revealed that the demolished properties belong to the government but were illegally taken over and converted into criminal operational bases.

Governor Ododo said, “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.

“We are here to carry out an action that is in the best interest of our people. What I have sworn to do is to protect the lives and livelihoods of my people, and as such, I will always work to secure my people.