The Kogi State Government has ordered the immediate, temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across parts of Kogi West as coordinated security operations to flush out terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements intensify, the Ministry of Information said on Sunday.
The closures, issued after consultations with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and heads of security agencies in the state, are intended to cut off logistics, prevent movement of consumables and deny criminal networks access to food supplies and local support, the government said.
Markets and motor parks affected include locations across eight local government areas. In Lokoja LGA the shutdown covers Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park and the communities of Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee and Budon. In Kabba-Bunu LGA the order applies to 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.
In Yagba West LGA the closure covers Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara and Oke Ere. In Yagba East LGA markets and parks in Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe and Ilafin are included. Kogi LGA locations named are Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya, the Okro Market at Opanda and the Perishable Market at Edeha. Mopamuro LGA sites include Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo and Ijagbe, while Ijumu LGA markets affected are Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro and Okoro Markets.
The government said the closures are temporary and will be lifted once the security operations are successfully concluded.
Authorities also reported operational successes. The release said sustained offensives across eight LGAs led to the rescue of 16 kidnapped victims from the camp of suspected bandit leader Kachalla Battijo in the Tunga Forest. Security forces have overrun the camp and intensified clearance operations to remove remaining criminal elements.
Kogi State reiterated its policy of not negotiating with bandits or paying ransom. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Director General of the Department of State Services Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi and heads of security agencies for their support and the successes achieved, the statement added.
The government acknowledged the hardship the measure will cause traders and residents and urged patience and cooperation, saying movements in the affected areas will be closely monitored. Governor Ododo has directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd.), to coordinate with security agencies to ensure compliance. Local government chairmen were instructed to monitor the directive in their jurisdictions and to provide regular situation reports, while the Ministry of Information and Communications has been asked to intensify grassroots sensitization.
The statement was signed by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communications.
