Kogi State Government has announced the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across parts of Kogi West Senatorial District to support ongoing security operations aimed at flushing out terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Femi Fanwo, in a statement issued on Sunday, said the decision followed consultations with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), heads of security agencies and relevant local authorities in the state.
According to the statement, the measure is intended to cut off logistics, restrict the movement of consumables and deny criminal elements and their informants access to food supplies and other forms of support during the period of the operation.
In Lokoja Local Government Area, the affected locations include Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee and Budon, where all markets and motor parks have been ordered to close with immediate effect.
The shutdown also covers several communities in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, including Ike Bunu, Aba Marian (Isado), Ofere, Abaa Dola (Ihale Bunu), Aiyede, Oke Offin, Aiyegunle Bunu, Okebukun, Odo Ape Bunu, Agbadu Bunu and Agbede Apa Bunu.
Similarly, markets and motor parks in Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara and Oke Ere in Yagba West Local Government Area have been temporarily closed.
In Yagba East Local Government Area, the affected communities are Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe and Ilafin, while in Kogi Local Government Area, the closure applies to the Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya, the Okro Market at Opanda and the Perishable Market at Edeha.
Markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo and Ijagbe in Mopamuro Local Government Area are also affected.
In Ijumu Local Government Area, markets in Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro and Okoro will remain shut for the duration of the security operations.
The state government stressed that the closure is temporary and will be lifted immediately after the successful conclusion of the ongoing operations.
The statement noted that the clearance operations are already yielding positive results, with 16 kidnapped victims rescued from the camp of a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Battijo, located within the Tunga Forest.
The camp, according to the government, has been overrun by security forces, while intensive operations continue across eight local government areas to ensure the total clearance of criminal elements.
Reiterating the state’s stance, the government said it would not negotiate with bandits or pay ransom under any circumstance.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo was quoted as commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, and other security chiefs for their support and the successes recorded so far.
While acknowledging the hardship the measure may cause traders and residents, the government said the sacrifice was necessary to restore peace and security across the state and to minimise collateral damage, as movements within the affected areas would be closely monitored.
Governor Ododo has directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), to ensure strict compliance with the directive in collaboration with security agencies.
Local government chairmen have also been instructed to monitor compliance within their areas and submit regular situation reports, while the Ministry of Information and Communications has been tasked with intensifying grassroots sensitisation.
The government appealed to residents for understanding, cooperation and support as the measures are implemented in the interest of public safety.
