In a bold move to reclaim security and rid the state of criminal elements, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo has ordered the immediate demolition of a notorious structure known as Sambel Joint in Idoji, Okene Local Government Area. This decisive action follows credible intelligence linking the property to a host of illicit activities, sending a strong message to criminals and their sponsors that Kogi State will no longer tolerate their presence. The demolition signifies a new era of zero tolerance for crime and a renewed commitment to the safety and well-being of all citizens.
- Governor Ododo orders demolition of ‘Sambel Joint’ in Okene.
- Property identified as a major hideout for criminals.
- Government declares all illegally acquired properties null and void.
- Governor reaffirms commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods.
- Stern warning issued to criminals and their collaborators.
Operation Sambel Joint: A New Dawn for Kogi Security
The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has officially declared war on crime with the swift demolition of the infamous Sambel Joint. This action wasn’t just a random act of destruction; it was a meticulously planned operation based on solid intelligence that pointed to the structure as a central hub for criminal operations. The demolition took place just hours after the Kogi State Government issued a stern warning, declaring all fraudulently and illegally acquired properties across the state as invalid and having no legal standing. This move clearly indicates that owning or using property for criminal purposes comes with severe consequences, including forfeiture and demolition.
Unlawful Occupancy and Criminal Networks Exposed
The properties, identified by their plot numbers GP. 23A, 23B, 24A & 24B in Government Quarters, Idoji, Okene, with a Certificate of Occupancy number KG. 13958, were not just illegally acquired; they were actively used as operational bases for criminals. Investigations revealed a blatant violation of both the Kogi State Land Administration Law and the Anti-Kidnapping Law. This discovery was the culmination of sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering, which painted a grim picture of a location that had become a safe haven for criminals, posing a significant threat to the peace and safety of the entire area.
Governor Ododo’s Unwavering Commitment to Security
During the demolition exercise, Governor Ododo was resolute in his message, emphasizing that the security of lives and livelihoods is the paramount duty of his administration. “We are here to carry out an action that is in the best interest of our people. What I have sworn in to do is to protect the lives and livelihoods of my people, and as such, I will always work to secure my people,” he stated emphatically. This wasn’t an empty promise; as early as December, the governor had made it clear through a proclamation that any property found to be harbouring criminals would face demolition, and those involved would face prosecution. “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,” Ododo added, highlighting the proactive nature of his administration’s security strategy.
Presidential Support for Enhanced Security
Governor Ododo also took the opportunity to express his sincere gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support in bolstering security across Kogi 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. This highlights the collaborative effort between the state and federal government in tackling security challenges.
A Message to Criminals: No Sanctuary in Kogi
The governor’s message was clear and direct: Kogi State will not be a playground for criminals. Investigations confirmed that the demolished properties, though belonging to the government, were illegally occupied and transformed into criminal dens. “This demolition you are seeing here today is to give our people the needed security they deserve. We discovered that criminals have taken over this property, and when we realised that their activities were giving our people unrest, we had to take a bold decision,” Ododo explained. He issued a stern warning to all criminals and their collaborators, leaving no room for doubt about his administration’s stance: “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.”
Restoring Peace and Tranquility
The ultimate goal of these aggressive security measures is to restore peace and ensure that residents can live without the constant fear of crime. “We are here to carry out this exercise so that our people can sleep with both of their eyes closed,” the governor declared. This sentiment was echoed by the residents of Idoji community, who commended the governor’s swift intervention. They described the demolition as a bold and timely action that has already begun to enhance security and restore confidence in Okene and its surrounding areas. Mallam Raji Sanni, a local resident, shared his relief, stating that the structure had been a source of terror for a long time, and the governor’s action has liberated them from the nefarious activities of the hoodlums.
| Property Identification | Status | Reason for Action |
|---|---|---|
| GP. 23A, 23B, 24A & 24B (Government Quarters, Idoji, Okene) | Demolished | Illegally acquired and used as criminal hideout |
| Certificate of Occupancy No. KG. 13958 | Invalidated | Linked to fraudulent and illegal property acquisition |
Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s firm stance: Kogi State will not be a haven for criminals. Peace and security are the cornerstones of his development agenda, and he is prepared to take any necessary action to uphold them.
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