In a move aimed at curbing criminal activity, the Kogi State Government demolished shanties and illegal structures believed to be harboring criminals and hoodlums around the Ganaja flyover bridge in Lokoja, the state capital.
The demolition exercise, led by the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Oluwasegun Joseph, comes after repeated warnings to occupants to vacate the structures. Commissioner Joseph emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents, stating that “scavengers and hoodlums will no longer be tolerated” in Lokoja.
Authorities believe these illegal structures posed a significant threat to public safety. “They are harbouring criminals, hence the need to take this decisive action,” Joseph told reporters. He further warned that similar demolitions would occur across the state to tackle the root causes of insecurity.
The Kogi government’s initiative has been met with mixed reactions. While some residents support the move, citing a perceived improvement in security, others have raised concerns about the displacement of occupants without proper resettlement plans.
This action comes amidst a wider conversation about urban planning and security measures in Nigerian cities. It remains to be seen whether the demolitions will have a lasting impact on crime rates in Lokoja.
