By Ahmed Muhammed Danasabe
Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria — Thursday 15, 2026(Series News Online)
Speaking during the demolition, Governor Ododo emphasized his administration's commitment to protecting citizens. "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.
The properties, located at GP. 23A, 23B, 24A & 24B (Government Quarters, Idoji, Okene), were found to violate the Kogi State Land Administration Law and the Anti-Kidnapping Law, having been unlawfully occupied and used for criminal operations.
Ododo reiterated a December proclamation warning that properties harbouring criminals would be demolished and occupants 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 thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for support in strengthening state security, adding, "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."
Residents commended the move, with Mallam Raji Sanni noting the structure had been a hub for hoodlums terrorizing the area. "The Governor has liberated the people from the nafarious activities of the hoodlums who occupied the demolished structure," he said.
The demolition underscores the administration's zero-tolerance stance on crime, aiming to restore peace and confidence in Okene and beyond.
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Demolition