Kogi State Government Demolishes Illegal Structures to Combat Criminal Activities

The Kogi State Government has taken action to demolish shanties and illegal structures located around the Ganaja flyover bridge in the state capital.

The demolition exercise was led by the state Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Oluwasegun Joseph, on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

The action is part of Governor Ahmed Ododo’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents and their property in Lokoja and its surroundings.

According to Joseph, the illegal structures were harbouring hoodlums and criminals, posing a threat to the peace and security of the state.

Despite being warned on three different occasions to vacate the area, the occupants refused to comply, prompting the government to take decisive action.

During the exercise, the commissioner and his team also evacuated all illegal occupants under the newly constructed Ganaja flyover bridge in Lokoja.

Joseph emphasized that the state government would not tolerate any form of illegal structures in Lokoja and warned hoodlums and scavengers against loitering around or under the bridge.

He stressed that defaulters would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

Abdullahi Yusuf, the Acting General Manager of the Kogi State Town Planning and Development Board, highlighted that the occupants of the shanties had been served quit notice on several occasions but remained adamant.

He further mentioned that the illegal structures were erected in the heart of the town within a 16-kilometre radius and should not be allowed to remain there.

Yusuf added that the green belts in Lokoja had also been occupied illegally and that the government would continue to take action to remove illegal structures and occupants.

With this move, the Kogi State Government aims to create a safer and more secure environment for its residents while sending a clear message that illegal activities will not be tolerated in the state.