Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has paid a condolence and assessment visit to Kupa in the Lokoja Local Government Area following a recent crisis that resulted in loss of lives and the disruption of local peace.
Accompanied by top government officials, security chiefs, and political stakeholders, Governor Ododo commiserated with the community and the Maiyaki of Kupa land, His Royal Highness, Pharmacist Kabir Isa Dauda III. Describing the incident as both unfortunate and painful, the Governor prayed for the repose of those who died and called on residents to remain united in supporting peaceful coexistence.
The crisis, which broke out several weeks ago, reportedly stemmed from a disagreement between two individuals before expanding into broader communal violence that impacted surrounding settlements, including Guchidan, Mikugi, and Abugi.
Addressing the traditional council and residents, Governor Ododo expressed regret for the delay in his visit, assuring the community that the timing was not a reflection of his concern. He stated that his personal presence was intended to directly evaluate the situation and reassure the population that Kupa remains an integral part of Kogi State.
The visit enabled the state delegation to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of the area’s security conditions, healthcare facilities, educational needs, agricultural sector, and transportation infrastructure. Governor Ododo highlighted the severe degradation of the access roads leading to Kupa, noting that navigating the route from Lokoja underscored the urgent need for state intervention.
The Governor confirmed that road rehabilitation work extending from Jamata through Kakanda, Abugi, and Egon is currently underway, adding that the conditions observed during his trip have reinforced his administration’s determination to prioritize the Kupa axis. He pledged to personally monitor the project to ensure improved accessibility for future visits.
Furthermore, Governor Ododo commended the traditional leadership for its efforts to preserve harmony among the diverse ethnic groups residing in the district, encouraging the populace to support local institutions and preserve Kupa’s standing as a welcoming community for all residents.
In his welcoming address, HRH Pharmacist Kabir Isa Dauda III expressed gratitude for the executive visit, framing it as a clear indication of the administration’s attention to Kupa’s welfare. The traditional ruler submitted a formal appeal requesting reinforced security measures, healthcare upgrades, agricultural assistance, additional teaching staff and infrastructure, and the expedited reconstruction of the Jamata–Kakanda–Abugi–Egon road network.
The Maiyaki emphasized that because Kupa relies heavily on agriculture, reliable road infrastructure is critical for transporting produce to local markets, lowering transit costs, and stimulating long-term economic development across the district.
The monarch also acknowledged the Kogi State House of Assembly for its recent resolution regarding the crisis, commending the legislative body for supporting the affected communities. He expressed optimism that sustained government intervention would enable the region to fully recover its educational, social, and economic activities.
Adding to the remarks, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, applauded Governor Ododo for visiting the affected areas during a challenging period. The Speaker reiterated the critical necessity of constructing the primary transit route to facilitate agricultural commerce, expressing full confidence that the executive branch will deliver on the infrastructural commitments made to the people of Kupa.
