Personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC on Tuesday raided and dismantled an iron scrap purchasing establishment, popularly known as “Mai bola”, in Asuta Ward, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

In a statement signed by Hon. Joseph Segun (Leo), Councillor representing Asuta Ward on Tuesday, the operation followed complaints by residents of Kano Road, Kabba about the vandalization of critical electrical infrastructure in the area.

Acting on credible intelligence and the directive of Kabba-Bunu LGA Chairman, Hon. Zacchaeus Dare Michael, the primary suspect identified as Aminu Abdullahi was arrested.

The operation resulted from coordinated efforts between community stakeholders, local authorities, HRM Solomon Owoniyi, Obaro of Oweland, Kabba Youth Forum, and the Asuta Youth Association.

Our correspondent reported that Aminu Abdullahi was immediately transferred to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC Kogi State Command headquarters in Lokoja for interrogation after providing a full confession and disclosing potential accomplices’ information.

According to the statement, the Council Chairman, Hon. Zacchaeus Dare Michael commended the NSCDC for their swift response, emphasizing its “uncompromising stance against infrastructure vandalism,” and ensuring full prosecution of those involved.

He explained that the removal of the scrap metal establishment was part of a strategy to dismantle illicit networks profiting from stolen public assets, and also discourage others in the habit of economic sabotage.

Hon. Zacchaeus appealed to the residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as the Local Government Authority and NSCDC are in pursuit of other criminal elements in the area.

“The Kabba-Bunu Local Government Authority, in partnership with the NSCDC, assures the public of its commitment to pursuing all individuals implicated in this case, with Aminu Abdullahi now in NSCDC custody facing charges. Citizens are encouraged to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious activities”.

The incident highlights the challenge of infrastructure vandalism in Kabba-Bunu LGA, affecting power supply and the economy, and the need for synergy amongst community groups, traditional institutions, and security agencies, thereby setting a model for local crime prevention.

In order to put Public Office holders on their toes and more responsive, well-meaning individuals, groups, and other critical stakeholders have been counselled to embark on regular inspection of ongoing government projects located in their communities and to give updates on community needs to the government.

An economist and secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the United Kingdom, Momoh Yusuf Obaro made the call in Okene at the weekend when he visited projects of the state government in the Central senatorial district of Kogi State.

Noting that charity begins at home, he said the initiative has helped him to appreciate the efforts of the government to improve the standard of living of the citizenry.

While explaining the rationale behind the visit, the development expert said it was based on the need to get first-hand information on the massive road construction going on in the area. He said he was excited by what he discovered, adding that “seeing is believing.”

Obaro called on people of the zone not to relent in their unflinching support for the administration. A total 122 road projects covering more than 250 kilometres, including the colonial Eyeigoda and Okaiteba bridges on the Okaito-Osuwe-Obagede road, Okehi LG were in different stages of completion in the area.

“Our discoveries have been phenomenal. This is quite different from social media trends, some of which emanate from toxic politics. We have seen a lot of roads being reconstructed, and many new ones are being opened up. About 122 roads with an average of about 60% to 70% completion rate in less than two years in office is massive.

“For instance, this is my ancestral community, and just at the other side of where I’m standing now is our former bridge constructed by colonial masters more than 60 years ago. We have suffered a lot from this bridge and unsuccessfully begged past administrations to help us.

Today, it is a reality courtesy of this administration. This is very special to us and actually gives us life. We are grateful for this. Roads are very fundamental to development. When you talk about economic activities, they are dependent on good roads.

“This road is going to accelerate and transform the economic activities of this area. That is the way to eradicate or reduce poverty. When economic activities pick up, poverty will automatically reduce. Our people are happy with the efforts of the government to make life easy.”

The APC stalwart admonished communities with one need or the other to reach out to the government with their requests rather than taking the law into their hands.

He also advised the governor to stay focused on continuing the transformation agenda of the APC as bequeathed by his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

Kogi State Government on Tuesday inspected key infrastructural projects, including the 10-kilometre township road from Bagana to Abejukolo in Omala Local Government and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) erosion control projects in Ankpa.

Speaking at the project sites in continuation of the media tour to Omala, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Muhammed Yusuf, disclosed that major progress had been recorded on the township road.

“All the earthwork has been completed and five kilometres of asphalt laid on one side of the dual carriageway,” Yusuf explained.

“The remaining five kilometres will be completed once the rainy season is over. By October, work will resume in earnest to deliver the project.”

The Commissioner commended Governor Usman Ododo for prioritising rural development, stressing that the project would ease the movement of vehicles and further improve the transportation of farm produce to markets.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the project forms part of the 10-kilometre internal road networks approved by Governor Ododo for each of the 21 local government areas of the state.

“Just yesterday, we were at Mopa-Muro and Kabba-Bunu to inspect ongoing projects,” Fanwo stated.

“Today, we are in Abejukolo to showcase what the state government is doing for its people. Governance is not about favoritism; it is about fairness, equity, and delivering the dividends of democracy. Governor Ododo is ensuring that projects are equitably spread across the three senatorial districts.”

Fanwo assured that the administration would sustain its “giant strides” by investing in projects that directly improve the living standards of the people, especially at the grassroots.

The inspection team also visited the ACReSAL erosion control sites in Ankpa, intended to combat the effects of climate change.

Speaking, Vice Chairman of the LGA, Halimat Imam, and the Supervisor for Works, Ibrahim Yahaya, noted that erosion had previously destroyed homes and farmlands in the area.

“We must commend Governor Ododo for tackling erosion in Ankpa. Before now, many residents lost properties to environmental challenges, but today, those problems are fast becoming history,” they said.

During the tour, the team also visited the College of Education, Ankpa, where the Provost, Dr. Femi Fashagba, highlighted improvements in basic amenities.

“When I assumed office, water and electricity were major challenges. Students fetched water from distant streams. Today, with the support of Governor Ododo, these problems have been addressed. Water supply, electricity, and campus security have all improved,” Dr. Fashagba said.

Fanwo, in response, praised the Provost for his leadership and revealed that the government had also established a skill acquisition centre for students.

“This administration is not only providing infrastructure but also equipping young people with skills to thrive in society. Governor Ododo is uniting Kogi through projects that touch lives,” he said.

The inspection train later moved to Prince Abubakar Audu University, Ankpa, where the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Marietu Tenuche, commended the state government’s support.

“Since 1999, this university has grown tremendously. We currently run 63 degree programmes and postgraduate courses. With Governor Ododo’s intervention, our MBBS programme was reactivated after 12 years. All required infrastructure was provided, and both the National Universities Commission and the Medical and Dental Council gave approval,” she explained.

Prof. Tenuche added that all the university’s programmes had been accredited since Governor Ododo assumed office, describing his support as “unwavering and transformational.”

In his closing remarks, Commissioner Fanwo assured that the state government would continue to back the university and other institutions to ensure Governor Ododo’s vision for a progressive and united Kogi State is achieved.

Residents expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo  and his administration for coming to their rescue, noting that the socioeconomic lives which had hitherto nosedived would again be resuscitated.

The Media Tour to projects executed by the State government which commenced on Monday is expected to reawaken the consciousness of the people to the implementation of the administration’s policies and programs.