The Kogi state government has demolished 18 houses serving as hideouts for kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminals, an official said on Thursday. Cmdr Mr Jerry Omodara (retired), Special Adviser to the governor on security, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja that the houses were destroyed in line with the provisions of the state’s law on kidnapping, armed robbery and other crimes.

He said that 17 of the houses were demolished in Kogi central senatorial district while one, an estate, was demolished in Kogi East senatorial district. Omodara said that more houses were being identified, adding that any house where arms and ammunition were recovered, would be pulled down. He restated Gov. Yahaya Bello’s resolve to rid the state of criminals, and declared that there was no going back on that stance. Omodara advised criminals to steer clear of Kogi in their own interest.

( NAN)