Ododo visits crisis-hit Kupa, pledges faster development, road rehabilitation

By Florence Kalu

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has visited Kupa in Lokoja Local Government Area to commiserate with victims of the recent crisis in the community and reassure residents of his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and accelerating development.

The governor, who visited the community alongside top government officials, security chiefs and political stakeholders, described the crisis, which reportedly claimed lives and affected neighbouring communities, as unfortunate and painful. He prayed for the repose of those who lost their lives and urged residents to reject violence and preserve the peaceful coexistence for which Kupa is known.

The crisis, which occurred a few weeks ago, reportedly began as a disagreement between two individuals before escalating into violence that affected communities including Guchidan, Mikugi and Abugi.

Ododo apologised to the people for the delay in visiting the community, stressing that his absence should not be interpreted as a lack of concern for their welfare.

He said the visit provided an opportunity for him to personally assess the security situation and the developmental challenges confronting the community, including healthcare, education, agriculture and infrastructure.

The governor said his journey from Lokoja to Kupa had also given him firsthand experience of the difficult road conditions faced by residents, particularly farmers who depend on the route to transport their produce.

According to him, roads linking Jamata through Kakanda, Abugi and Egon were already receiving attention, but what he personally observed in Kupa had reinforced the need to give the road leading to the community greater priority.

Ododo promised to personally pursue intervention on the road, expressing the hope that his next journey to Kupa would take considerably less time.

He also appealed to the people to support their traditional institution and maintain unity among the different ethnic groups residing in the area.

“Kupa is a home of all and a land for all,” the governor said, urging residents to put the recent crisis behind them and work together with government to rebuild the community.

The governor commended the traditional leadership of Kupa for its efforts towards maintaining peace and unity, assuring the people that his administration would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving security and promoting development in the area.

Earlier, the Maiyaki of Kupa Land, His Royal Highness, Pharmacist Kabir Isa Dauda III, welcomed the governor and expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of the state government’s concern for the community.

The traditional ruler appealed for stronger security presence in the area, improved healthcare facilities, additional classrooms and teachers, agricultural support and urgent rehabilitation of the Jamata–Kakanda–Abugi–Egon road.

He particularly stressed the importance of the road to the predominantly agrarian community, noting that its poor condition had made the transportation of agricultural produce to markets difficult and increased the cost of doing business for farmers.

According to him, rehabilitating the road would not only improve mobility but also unlock the economic potential of Kupa by connecting farmers more efficiently to markets and encouraging greater economic activity.

Dauda also commended the Kogi State House of Assembly for its intervention following the crisis, expressing appreciation to the Speaker and members for identifying with the people during the difficult period.

He expressed optimism that continued government intervention would help the community recover fully and return to normal farming, educational and commercial activities.

Speaking during the visit, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, commended Governor Ododo for visiting Kupa at a difficult time and for demonstrating concern for the welfare of the residents.

The Speaker reinforced the traditional ruler’s appeal for the rehabilitation of the road, describing it as a critical economic lifeline for the farming community.

He said the road was essential for transporting agricultural produce from Kupa to markets and improving access to other parts of the state.

Yusuf, however, expressed confidence that the governor would fulfil his commitment to the project, stressing that Ododo’s personal assessment of the road had further underscored the urgency of intervention.

The visit therefore combined a message of condolence and reconciliation with a renewed commitment to infrastructure and economic development, as the Ododo administration seeks to restore confidence and strengthen government presence in Kupa and its surrounding communities.