Kogi Residents Face Hardship as Govt Closes Markets, Motor Parks Over Security Threats

The Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across seven local government areas as part of ongoing security operations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement on Sunday, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, explained that the measure is aimed at supporting efforts to flush out terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements in the state. The operations are being conducted in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and state security agencies.

According to Fanwo, the closures are intended to restrict the movement of consumables and cut off logistics, denying criminals and their informants access to food and other support during the security activities.

In Lokoja Local Government Area, affected locations include Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, as well as Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee, and Budon.

In Kabba-Bunu LGA, 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 are covered.

In Yagba West LGA, communities affected include Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara, and Oke Ere.

In Yagba East LGA, the closure applies to Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe, and Ilafin.

In Kogi LGA, affected markets include the Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya, the Okro Market at Opanda, and the Perishable Market at Edeha.

In Mopamuro LGA, the directive covers Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo, and Ijagbe.

In Ijumu LGA, the shutdown affects Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro, and Okoro markets.

The government emphasized that the measure is strictly temporary and will be lifted once the security operations are successfully concluded.

This development follows a recent decision by the Kogi State Government to temporarily close schools statewide, a proactive move aimed at protecting pupils, students, and teachers amid rising security concerns.