The Kogi State Government has announced the temporary closure of select markets and car parks throughout the Kogi West Senatorial District as part of increased security operations against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups.
Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, announced the closures on Sunday, stating that they are intended to support ongoing clearance operations in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the heads of security agencies in the state.
“The temporary closure is designed to cut off logistics, restrict the movement of consumables, and deny criminal elements and their informants access to food supplies and other forms of support during the security exercise,” the statement read.
The directive affects selected communities across seven Local Government Areas:
Lokoja LGA: Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee, and Budon.
Kabba-Bunu LGA: 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.
Yagba West LGA: Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara, and Oke Ere.
Yagba East LGA: Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe, and Ilafin.
Kogi LGA: Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, and Girinya; Okro Market at Opanda; and Perishable Market at Edeha.
Mopamuro LGA: Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo, and Ijagbe.
Ijumu LGA: Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro, and Okoro Markets.
Fanwo reiterated that the closures are completely temporary and will be lifted immediately upon the successful completion of the security activities. The activities have already resulted in the rescue of sixteen kidnapped people.
