_…Says “Kupa is a home for all” As Maiyaki, Speaker Push For Urgent Development.
Emmanuel Ikpeama
Kogi State Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, has visited Kupa in Lokoja Local Government Area to commiserate with victims of the recent crisis and to pledge renewed government intervention in roads, security and agriculture.
The Governor, who was accompanied by top government officials, security chiefs and political stakeholders, met with the Maiyaki of Kupa Land, His Royal Highness, Pharmacist Kabir Isa Dauda III, during the visit on Tuesday.
Describing the crisis as unfortunate, Governor Ododo prayed for the repose of those who lost their lives and urged residents to remain united.
Investigator news reports that the violence, which occurred a few weeks ago, reportedly started as a disagreement between two individuals before spreading to Guchidan, Mikugi and Abugi communities.
The Governor apologized for the delay in his visit, stressing that it was not a sign of neglect.
“I have come personally to assess the situation and to reassure the people that Kupa remains an important part of Kogi State,” he said.
Ododo said the visit gave him the opportunity to assess security, healthcare delivery, educational facilities, agricultural activities and the deplorable state of roads leading to the community.
He noted that the difficult journey from Lokoja to Kupa highlighted the urgency of fixing the road network.
The Governor disclosed that roads from Jamata through Kakanda, Abugi and Egon were already receiving attention. He added that his experience in Kupa had strengthened his resolve to give the road leading to the community greater priority.
“I will personally pursue this intervention. It is my desire that my next visit to Kupa will take significantly less time,” Ododo promised.
He also commended the traditional leadership for sustaining peace among the diverse ethnic groups in the area, describing Kupa as “a home of all and a land for all.”
Welcoming the Governor, the Maiyaki of Kupa, HRH Pharmacist Kabir Isa Dauda III, expressed appreciation for the visit, saying it showed that the state government cares about the people.
He appealed for strengthened security, improved healthcare, agricultural support, additional classrooms and teachers, and the rehabilitation of the Jamata–Kakanda–Abugi–Egon road.
The traditional ruler said the road was critical because Kupa is predominantly agrarian, adding that its rehabilitation would ease movement of farmers and produce to market and open up the community for economic growth.
He also commended the Kogi State House of Assembly for its resolution on the crisis and thanked the Speaker and members for standing with the people.
The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, who was part of the delegation, commended Governor Ododo for identifying with Kupa at a difficult moment.
He reminded the Governor of the urgent need to construct the road leading to Kupa, describing it as the major route through which the farming community transports produce to market.
“Having promised to construct the road, I am confident that Governor Ododo will fulfil the promise,” the Speaker said.
Governor Ododo expressed optimism that with continued government support, Kupa would recover fully and return to normal farming, educational and economic activities.
