The Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across parts of the state as security agencies intensify operations to flush out terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, said the closures affect markets and motor parks in parts of Kogi West Senatorial District and adjoining areas.
He explained that the measure was aimed at disrupting criminal logistics by restricting movement and cutting off access to food supplies, consumables and other forms of support used by terrorists and their informants.
Fanwo said, “The temporary shutdown is intended to deny criminals freedom of movement and access to logistics during the security exercise.”
He added that the operations were being carried out in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and heads of security agencies in the state.
The directive affects communities across seven local government areas.
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.
For Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, the closure applies to 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.
In Yagba West Local Government Area, affected communities include Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara and Oke Ere.
Markets and motor parks in Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe and Ilafin in Yagba East Local Government Area have also been shut temporarily.
In Kogi Local Government Area, the directive applies to the Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, and Girinya; the Okro Market at Opanda; and the Perishable Market at Edeha.
Similarly, markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo and Ijagbe in Mopamuro Local Government Area are affected.
In Ijumu Local Government Area, markets in Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro, and Okoro will remain closed throughout the duration of the operations.
The government stressed that the closures were strictly temporary and would be lifted immediately upon the successful conclusion of the security exercise.
AFRIPOST reports that Kogi State has witnessed a resurgence of banditry in recent times.