NIGERIA: Kogi Shuts Down Markets, Motor Parks Over Insecurity

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Kogi State Government has announced the immediate temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks in various communities across Kogi West Senatorial District to support intensive ongoing security operations.

These coordinated efforts, carried out in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser and heads of security agencies, aim to eliminate terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups from the affected areas.

The decision to shut down these locations follows thorough consultations with security agencies and local authorities.

The primary goal is to disrupt criminal logistics, block the movement of supplies, and prevent bandits along with their informants from accessing food and other essential resources during the clearance operations.

The affected communities include several in Lokoja Local Government Area such as Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee, and Budon.

In Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area the closures cover 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 Local Government Area the measure applies to Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara, and Oke Ere. In Yagba East Local Government Area the impacted sites are Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe, and Ilafin. In Kogi Local Government Area the temporary shutdown includes the Rice Market at Adingere in Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya, the Okro Market at Opanda, and the Perishable Market at Edeha.

In Mopamuro Local Government Area the closures affect Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo, and Ijagbe.

The government has stressed that these closures are purely temporary and will be lifted as soon as the security operations conclude successfully. Early results from the sustained offensives across eight local government areas have already proven encouraging with sixteen kidnapped victims rescued from the camp of the notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo in Tunga Forest.

Security forces have now overrun and occupied the camp while operations continue to achieve complete elimination of criminal elements.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has reaffirmed the state’s firm policy of refusing to negotiate with bandits or pay any ransom under any circumstances.

He expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Director General of the Department of State Services Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, and all security agency heads both nationally and in Kogi State for their unwavering support and the tangible successes recorded so far.

The government recognizes the potential hardship this measure may impose on traders and residents in the affected communities but considers it a necessary sacrifice to restore lasting peace, minimize collateral damage, and safeguard lives. Governor Ododo has instructed State Security Adviser Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd.) to collaborate closely with all security agencies to enforce compliance. Local government chairmen have been directed to monitor adherence in their jurisdictions and submit regular situation reports while the Ministry of Information and Communications has been tasked with intensifying grassroots sensitization efforts.

The State Government appeals to all residents for their understanding, cooperation, and support during this critical period as these measures are taken in the collective interest of peace and public

safety throughout the state.