ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- As part of efforts to intensify security operations against terrorists, bandits, and criminal elements, the Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across seven local government areas in the Kogi West Senatorial District.
The directive, announced on Sunday by Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, is aimed at supporting ongoing clearance operations coordinated with the Office of the National Security Adviser and heads of security agencies in the state.
“The temporary shutdown is a preventive measure to cut off logistics for criminal networks, restrict the movement of consumables, and deny bandits and their informants access to food and other forms of support during the operations,” Fanwo said.
The closures target communities across seven LGAs, including: Lokoja LGA-Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee, and Budon.
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Kabba-Bunu LGA – Ike Bunu, Aba Marian (Isado), Ofere, Abaa Dola (Ihale Bunu), Aiyede, Oke Offin, Aiyegunle Bunu, Okebukun, Odo Ape Bunu, Agbadu Bunu, Agbede Apa Bunu.
Yagba West LGA – Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara, Oke Ere.
Yagba East LGA – Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe, Ilafin. Kogi LGA – Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya; Okro Market at Opanda; Perishable Market at Edeha.
Mopamuro LGA – Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo, Ijagbe. Ijumu LGA – Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro, Okoro markets.
Fanwo stressed that the shutdown is strictly temporary and will be lifted immediately after the security operations conclude successfully.
This follows a similar precautionary measure on February 3, when schools across the state were temporarily closed based on credible intelligence, to safeguard pupils, students, and teachers.