Key Takeaways
- The Kogi State Government has compensated 23 legitimate shop owners affected by a demolition exercise in Idojie-Okene.
- The demolitions, carried out on January 15, 2026, targeted notorious criminal hideouts in the area.
- Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo's administration is committed to restoring the livelihoods of innocent citizens impacted by state actions.
- Compensation amounts were structured to cover both demolished shops and goods, with a 70:30 split.
- The state government is also actively processing compensation for land acquired for the Airport project and the Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone.
In a significant move demonstrating its commitment to justice and citizen welfare, the Kogi State Government has disbursed compensation to victims of a recent house demolition exercise in Idojie-Okene, located within the Okene Local Government Area. This action follows a strategic operation aimed at dismantling criminal strongholds and restoring peace to the community.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by the Director General of the Bureau of Lands, Kehinde Augustine Salihu-Otaru, presented cheques to the affected shop owners and occupiers during a ceremony held in Lokoja on Wednesday. The governor underscored that this initiative is designed to help the affected individuals rebuild their lives and resume their lawful businesses, ensuring their economic stability.
Addressing the Impact of Law Enforcement
The state government had, on January 15, 2026, undertaken the demolition of structures in the Idojie-Okene area, popularly known as the Sambell area. This location had become a notorious hub for criminal activities, posing a significant threat to the safety and well-being of the community and the state at large. The decisive action was a direct response to growing concerns over public security.
Following a thorough post-demolition evaluation, authorities recognized that while the primary objective was to eradicate crime, the exercise inadvertently impacted some residents who were conducting legitimate businesses within the affected zone. It was against this backdrop that the government resolved to provide financial redress to these innocent traders, enabling them to restart their ventures.
“On January 15, 2026, the state government, under the direct supervision of the governor, demolished structures at Idojie-Okene, an area infamous for criminal activities that endangered the lives of its inhabitants,” Salihu-Otaru stated. “In the subsequent review, we noted that the exercise affected some residents engaged in lawful business. The case was referred to the Bureau of Lands for review, and today, we are presenting cheques to compensate these victims, helping them to continue with their means of livelihoods.”
Details of the Compensation Package
Salihu-Otaru further elaborated that the compensation serves as immediate relief, providing crucial financial leverage for the victims to recover, move forward with their businesses, and reintegrate into the community. The review process certified 23 shop occupiers as eligible for compensation. The disbursed amount will be allocated in a specific proportion: 70 percent designated for the demolished shops themselves, and the remaining 30 percent to cover the goods and merchandise lost during the exercise.
Governor Ododo’s administration emphasized its responsiveness to genuine complaints and urged the beneficiaries to judiciously utilize the compensation to revitalize their businesses. They were also encouraged to conduct themselves responsibly while carrying out their lawful activities within the community.
Beneficiaries Express Gratitude
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Aliyu Asuku Bello Sambell expressed profound gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for swiftly addressing the challenges posed by the demolition. He highlighted the governor’s magnanimity, recalling an initial sum of N350,000 that was released to them as interim relief when they first voiced their predicament, pending a final resolution.
“We thank Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for this show of humanity; we will ensure a proper use of this money to revive our means of livelihoods and bounce back to life,” Bello Sambell affirmed, reflecting the collective appreciation of the affected traders.
Broader Compensation Efforts Across Kogi State
Beyond the Idojie-Okene situation, the Director General of the Bureau of Lands also confirmed that compensation efforts are actively underway for individuals whose land has been acquired for other critical state projects. These include the Airport project at Zariagi-Lokoja and the Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone. Salihu-Otaru acknowledged that while the necessary frameworks are in place, the sheer volume of people involved has led to some delays. He reiterated the government’s unwavering determination not to infringe upon the livelihoods of its citizens without providing due and fair compensation.
“We are currently working on three types of compensations: payments for land acquired for the Airport project, the Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone, and that of the Idojie-Okene demolition exercise, which has been settled today,” he concluded. He commended Governor Ododo for fostering an enabling environment that allows the agency to execute these complex assignments without the typical hindrances.
Why This Matters
This proactive compensation by the Kogi State Government reinforces public trust in governance and demonstrates a commitment to balancing security imperatives with the protection of citizens' economic rights. It sets a precedent for responsible governance, ensuring that state actions, even those necessary for public safety, do not unjustly devastate innocent livelihoods.