Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has directed the demolition of a notorious facility popularly known as Sambel Joint in Idoji, Okene Local Government Area, following intelligence reports linking the structure to criminal activities.
The demolition was carried out on Thursday as part of the state government’s renewed efforts to tackle insecurity.
According to the state government, the affected buildings were illegally acquired and allegedly used as hideouts by criminal elements, in clear violation of the Kogi State Land Administration Law and the Anti-Kidnapping Law.
Authorities said the operation was aimed at dismantling criminal networks and preventing the use of such locations for unlawful activities.
The Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, warned that the government would not hesitate to reclaim any property found to be connected to criminal operations anywhere in the state.
He added that individuals involved in such acts would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Governor Ododo, who spoke during the demolition exercise, reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on crime. He emphasized that Kogi State would not be allowed to become a refuge for criminals or their collaborators, stressing that the move was necessary to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
He further warned that any property used to harbour criminal activities would face similar action.
