The Kogi state government has announced the temporary closure of markets and motor parks across parts of the Kogi west senatorial district as part of efforts to support ongoing security operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups.
The directive was disclosed on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo.
According to him, the move is designed to strengthen intensified clearance operations being conducted in collaboration with the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and security agencies operating in the state.
Fanwo explained that the measure is intended to disrupt the activities of criminal elements by limiting movement and cutting off access to food, consumables and other forms of logistical support.
He said the shutdown would also make it harder for criminals and their informants to operate during the exercise.
“The temporary shutdown is aimed at cutting off logistics, restricting the movement of consumables and denying criminal elements and their informants access to food supplies and other forms of support during the operations,” he said.
The government said the directive applies to selected communities spread across seven local government areas in the district.
In Lokoja LGA, markets and motor parks in areas such as Oshokoshoko, Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee and Budon have been closed.
Kabba-Bunu LGA is also affected, including 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 LGA, the closure covers Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara and Oke Ere, while Yagba East LGA includes Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe and Ilafin.
For Kogi LGA, the affected locations include the rice market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke and Girinya, as well as the okro market at Opanda and the perishable market at Edeha.
Markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo and Ijagbe in Mopamuro LGA are also part of the directive.
In Ijumu LGA, the shutdown applies to markets in Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro and Okoro.
The state government stressed that the closures are temporary and will be lifted immediately after the security operations are successfully concluded.
