The Chairman of Omala Local Government Area in Kogi State, Edibo Mark, has announced a dusk-to-dawn curfew as part of new security measures introduced in response to rising attacks and unrest in the area.
The curfew, which began on December 2, restricts movement between 7 pm and 6 am and will remain in place until authorities declare otherwise.
The council also introduced round-the-clock security monitoring and increased patrols across all communities.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Mark explained that the decision followed recent security breaches that endangered residents. According to him, the measures were necessary to safeguard lives and property.
“To strengthen safety measures, security agencies are directed to intensify checks at entry points. All border routes must undergo strict stop-and-search operations with the Joint Task Force fully deployed,” he said.
The council further announced limits on religious activities as part of its efforts to curb insecurity. Mark also stressed that festival fireworks have been prohibited, while worship centres must conduct services briefly.
“All public gatherings, including Moulud, Christian vigils and similar programmes, are suspended until further notice,” he added.
Mark appealed to residents to adhere to the directives and support security agencies, noting that cooperation remains critical to restoring peace in the troubled communities.
Omala LGA has experienced a series of kidnappings and communal clashes in recent months, leading the state government to set up a forward operational base to respond to the growing threats.