The Kogi State Government has announced a ban on all public rallies and gatherings, citing security reports that indicate potential threats to public peace.
Additionally, the government has suspended fishing activities in certain areas, following deadly clashes linked to the practice.
The announcement, made in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, on Monday, March 31, was issued in response to growing intelligence suggesting that some individuals were planning violent rallies disguised as political or religious protests.
These planned rallies are reportedly aimed at disrupting the peace, particularly in Kogi Central.
The decision to impose these restrictions follows recent tensions in the state, including incidents of violence that have claimed lives. Fishing-related activities in Kogi West have been blamed for a fatal conflict that led to the loss of two lives in the villages of Kasemiya, Katubo, and Umozu Ette in Kogi West.
In addition, Fanwo noted a growing communal clash in Kogi East, specifically between Ika-Odele and Ika Ochala in Ankpa Local Government Area, with further security concerns in Kogi Central.
In his statement, Fanwo explained that the government was acting in accordance with intelligence reports indicating that certain individuals were planning to infiltrate the state under the guise of peaceful rallies. These groups, he said, were reportedly intending to use fake security personnel to instigate violence and disrupt public order.
“While the government recognises the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their views, security must take precedence to safeguard the well-being of our citizens, As such, no individual, group, or organisation is permitted to hold any form of rally within the state until further notice,” Fanwo said.
The government also imposed restrictions on the movement of convoys with security personnel, directing that any such groups entering Kogi must obtain prior clearance from the state’s security agencies.
The ban comes just as a significant political event is set to take place in Kogi Central—the homecoming ceremony of suspended lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Constituents from the district, where Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall process has already been initiated, were scheduled to rally in support of her on Tuesday.
The recall process follows her six-month suspension from the Senate after an altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with accusations of misconduct surfacing around a seating arrangement dispute.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has since taken her case to international forums, including the United Nations and BBC, where she has garnered support from various quarters. Her homecoming event was anticipated to be a large show of solidarity, but with the state government’s rally ban in place, the event’s fate now hangs in the balance.
Despite the restrictions, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters have vowed to go ahead with their plans, defying the ban. They are set to show their backing for the suspended senator, who remains a polarising figure in Kogi State politics.
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Aside from the rally restrictions, the Kogi State Government has also taken a hard stance on fishing activities. The ban on fishing in Kogi Local Government Area has been implemented in response to a fatal conflict over fishing rights in Kasemiya, Katubo, and Umozu Ette.
The deadly clashes have added to an already volatile situation in the region, prompting the government to intervene to prevent further bloodshed.
Fanwo’s statement also revealed that communal violence between the Ika-Odele and Ika Ochala communities in Ankpa Local Government Area had escalated, resulting in loss of life.
Security operatives have been deployed to calm tensions and restore order, while ongoing peace talks facilitated by the state government continue to hold promise for resolving the crisis.
Cooperation with traditional leaders, local governments
Governor Usman Ododo, in line with the government’s response, met with the leadership of the Kogi State Traditional Council, including the Attah of Igala, to discuss strategies for ensuring peace in the state.
Local government chairmen have also been directed to take charge of security in their respective domains, with the governor instructing Security Adviser Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.) to work closely with security agencies to ensure that the government’s directives are enforced.
Fanwo stressed that the state’s priority is the safety and well-being of all residents, calling on citizens to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperative with security personnel.
“The peace and security of Kogi State are of utmost importance,” he concluded.
