Ododo Pays Compensation to Okene Demolition Victims, Gives Fresh Update on Airport and Ajaokuta Land Claims

The Kogi State Government has compensated traders affected by the demolition of buildings in the Idojie-Okene area of Okene Local Government Area, saying the move reflects its commitment to protecting the livelihoods of innocent residents impacted by security operations.

The demolished structures, located in the area popularly known as Sambell, were pulled down on January 15, 2026, as part of a government crackdown on locations allegedly being used as criminal hideouts.

At a cheque presentation ceremony held in Lokoja, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by the Director-General of the Kogi State Bureau of Lands, Kehinde Augustine Salihu-Otaru, said the compensation followed a government review which found that several law-abiding traders suffered losses during the exercise.

He explained that while the demolition was intended to improve security and eliminate criminal activities, the government considered it necessary to support legitimate business owners whose shops and goods were affected.

Following an assessment by the Bureau of Lands, 23 shop occupants were approved for compensation. According to Salihu-Otaru, the funds were distributed using a 70:30 ratio to cover both the value of the demolished shops and the losses incurred on goods.

He said the compensation was designed to help the beneficiaries return to business and reaffirmed the Ododo administration’s commitment to responding to genuine concerns raised by citizens.

“The government remains committed to ensuring that innocent residents are not left to bear the burden of security operations. This support is intended to help the affected traders rebuild their businesses and continue their lawful means of livelihood,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Aliyu Asuku Bello Sambell thanked Governor Ododo for what he described as a compassionate response to their situation.

He recalled that the governor had earlier approved an emergency relief payment of ₦350,000 shortly after the demolition to cushion the immediate hardship faced by the affected traders while awaiting the final compensation.

He pledged that the beneficiaries would use the funds responsibly to revive their businesses.

Government Speaks on Airport and Ajaokuta Compensation

The Director-General of the Bureau of Lands also disclosed that compensation for landowners affected by the acquisition of land for the proposed Zariagi-Lokoja Airport project and the Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone remains in progress.

According to him, the state has completed the necessary administrative processes, with the remaining delay caused by the large number of affected landowners.

He assured residents that the government is determined to ensure that every eligible property owner receives appropriate compensation.

“We are currently processing compensation for three major categories: the airport land acquisition, the Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone, and the Idojie-Okene demolition exercise. Today’s payment concludes the compensation for the demolition victims, while work continues on the remaining programmes,” Salihu-Otaru said.

He also praised Governor Ododo for providing the support and enabling environment needed to ensure the compensation process is carried out transparently and efficiently.