The Kogi State government has ordered the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks in parts of the state as security agencies intensify operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups.
The directive, announced Sunday by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, affects communities across seven local government areas, mainly in the Kogi West Senatorial District and adjoining areas.
Fanwo said the measure is aimed at disrupting criminal logistics by restricting movement and cutting off access to food supplies, consumables and other forms of support allegedly used by criminals and their informants.
“The temporary shutdown is intended to deny criminals freedom of movement and access to logistics during the security exercise,” Fanwo said in a statement.
He said the operations are being carried out in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and heads of security agencies in the state.
In Lokoja Local Government Area, affected locations include Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, as well as markets and motor parks in Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee and Budon.
In Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, markets and motor parks in 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 have been closed.
The directive also applies to markets and motor parks in Yagba West Local Government Area, including Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara and Oke Ere.
In Yagba East Local Government Area, affected communities include Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe and Ilafin.
In Kogi Local Government Area, closures include the rice markets at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke and Girinya; the okro market at Opanda; and the perishable market at Edeha.
Markets and motor parks in Mopamuro Local Government Area — including Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo and Ijagbe — are also affected.
In Ijumu Local Government Area, markets in Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro and Okoro will remain closed for the duration of the operations.
The state government said the closures are strictly temporary and will be lifted immediately after the security exercise is concluded.
Kogi State has experienced a resurgence of banditry in recent months. Last year, suspected criminals attempted to attack the Obajana operational base but were repelled by police, leading to several arrests.
