Newsworth | Danjuma Amodu | January 16, 2026
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, today ordered the demolition of a notorious structure known as ‘Sambel Joint’ in Idoji, Okene Local Government Area a site confirmed by intelligence reports as a hideout for armed criminals and suspected extremist elements.
The action followed a morning press statement from the Kogi State Government invalidating all fraudulently and illegally acquired properties across the state, declaring them null and void with immediate effect. The statement warned that any property found to have been unlawfully obtained or used for criminal purposes would be reclaimed, and those involved prosecuted.
Properties located at Government Quarters GP 23A, 23B, 24A & 24B, Idoji — bearing Certificate of Occupancy number KG. 13958 were identified as illegally acquired and converted into operational bases for criminal gangs. Investigations confirmed violations of the Kogi State Land Administration Law and the Anti-Kidnapping Law.
Speaking during the demolition exercise, Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to security.
“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 them.”
He reminded residents that in December, he had publicly warned that any property harbouring criminals would be demolished, and all occupants and collaborators 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 his continued support in strengthening security across the 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.”
Investigations revealed the demolished properties were originally government-owned, illegally taken over and turned into criminal strongholds.
“This demolition you are seeing here today is to give our people the security they deserve. We discovered that criminals have taken over this property, and when we realised that their activities were causing unrest, we had to take a bold decision,” Ododo explained.
He issued a stark warning to criminals and their accomplices.
“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.”
The operation, he said, aims to restore peace and ensure residents can live without fear.
“We are here to carry out this exercise so that our people can sleep with both eyes closed.”
Security sources disclosed that the location had been under surveillance following repeated complaints from residents about suspicious movements, influx of unknown persons, and activities threatening public peace.
Residents of Idoji community hailed the Governor’s swift intervention as bold and timely, saying it will enhance security and restore confidence in Okene and surrounding areas.
Mallam Raji Sanni, a local resident, told reporters.
“The structure has been harbouring many criminals who have been terrorising the area. We commend the Governor for liberating us from the nefarious activities of the hoodlums who occupied the demolished structure.”
Governor Ododo reiterated that Kogi State will not become a safe haven for criminals, stressing that peace and security remain central to his administration’s development agenda.
