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Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has visited Kupa in Lokoja Local Government Area to commiserate with residents and the Maiyaki of Kupa Land, His Royal Highness, Pharmacist Kabir Isa Dauda III, following a recent crisis that claimed lives and disrupted peace in the community.
The Governor, who was accompanied by senior government officials, security chiefs and political stakeholders, described the incident as unfortunate and painful, offering prayers for the repose of those who lost their lives.
He urged residents to remain united, support the traditional institution and sustain peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups living in the area.
The crisis, which occurred several weeks ago, reportedly started as a disagreement between two individuals before escalating into violence that affected neighbouring communities, including Guchidan, Mikugi and Abugi.
Governor Ododo apologised to the people for the delay in visiting the community, explaining that his absence should not be interpreted as a lack of concern for their plight.
He said he chose to visit Kupa personally to assess the situation, listen to the concerns of the people and reassure them of his administration’s commitment to their welfare and development.
According to him, Kupa remains an important part of Kogi State, adding that the visit provided an opportunity to assess critical areas including security, healthcare, education, agriculture and infrastructure.
The Governor also expressed concern over the poor condition of roads leading to the community, noting that the difficult journey from Lokoja underscored the urgent need for intervention.
He disclosed that roads from Jamata through Kakanda, Abugi and Egon were already receiving attention, but said his personal assessment of the situation in Kupa had reinforced the need to give the road leading to the community greater priority.
Governor Ododo pledged to personally pursue the intervention, expressing optimism that his next visit to Kupa would take significantly less time.
Governor Urges Unity
The Governor commended the traditional leadership of Kupa for its role in maintaining peace and unity among the diverse ethnic groups in the area.
He urged residents to continue supporting the traditional institution and to see one another as brothers and sisters, regardless of ethnic background.
“Kupa is a home of all and a land for all,” the Governor said, stressing the importance of unity in sustaining peace and attracting development to the community.
Maiyaki Appeals for Improved Infrastructure, Security
Earlier, the Maiyaki of Kupa Land, HRH Pharmacist Kabir Isa Dauda III, welcomed the Governor and expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as evidence that the state government cares about the people of Kupa.
The traditional ruler appealed to the state government to strengthen security in the area and improve access to healthcare, education and agricultural support.
He also called for the provision of additional classrooms and teachers, as well as the rehabilitation of the Jamata–Kakanda–Abugi–Egon road.
According to him, the road is particularly important because Kupa is predominantly an agrarian community whose residents depend heavily on farming.
He explained that rehabilitating the road would make it easier for farmers to transport their produce to markets, reduce transportation challenges and create opportunities for greater economic activity in the area.
The Maiyaki also commended the Kogi State House of Assembly for its recent resolution on the crisis, appreciating the Speaker and members for standing with the people during the difficult period.
He expressed confidence that with continued government intervention, Kupa would recover fully from the impact of the crisis and return to its farming, educational and economic activities.
Assembly Speaker Backs Road Intervention
Speaking during the visit, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, commended Governor Ododo for identifying with the people of Kupa during a difficult period.
The Speaker also praised the Governor’s commitment to addressing the developmental challenges confronting the community.
He emphasised the urgent need for the construction of the road leading to Kupa, describing it as a critical route for the transportation of agricultural produce from the predominantly farming community to markets.
While acknowledging the concerns of the people, the Speaker expressed confidence in Governor Ododo’s commitment to the project, saying that having made a commitment to construct the road, he believed the Governor would fulfil the promise.
The Governor’s visit ended with renewed calls for peace, stronger security and accelerated development in Kupa, with the road project emerging as one of the community’s most pressing needs.
