The Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary shutdown of selected markets and motor parks across parts of the Kogi West Senatorial District as security agencies intensify efforts to root out terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups operating in the area.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, announced the directive in a statement issued on Sunday, explaining that the move was designed to support ongoing security clearance operations in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and security chiefs in the state.
According to Fanwo, the immediate closure is aimed at disrupting criminal logistics by restricting movement, cutting off access to food supplies and denying criminals and their collaborators essential support during the operation.
The directive affects communities spread across six local government areas in Kogi State.
In Lokoja Local Government Area, markets and motor parks in Oshokoshoko, Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee and Budon have been closed for the duration of the exercise.
Similarly, in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, the shutdown covers 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.
Communities affected in Yagba West Local Government Area include Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara and Oke Ere, where commercial activities have also been temporarily halted.
In Yagba East Local Government Area, markets and motor parks in Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe and Ilafin are included in the closure.
The directive also applies to parts of Kogi Local Government Area, including the Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya, the Okro Market at Opanda and the Perishable Market at Edeha.
Additionally, in Mopamuro Local Government Area, markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo and Ijagbe have been shut temporarily.
The state government stressed that the measure is temporary and will be lifted immediately once the security operations are successfully concluded.
