The Kogi State Government has announced the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across parts of Kogi West Senatorial District to support ongoing security operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements.
The decision, which takes immediate effect, follows intensive and coordinated security operations being carried out in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and heads of security agencies in the state. The operations are targeted at terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups operating within the area.
According to the state government, the temporary shutdown is intended to cut off logistics, restrict movement, and deny criminals and their informants access to food supplies and other forms of support during the period of the operations.
In Lokoja Local Government Area, affected locations include Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, as well as markets and motor parks in Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee and Budon.
Markets and motor parks in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area affected by the closure include those 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.
In Yagba West Local Government Area, the shutdown covers Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara and Oke Ere.
Yagba East Local Government Area is also affected, with markets and motor parks in Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe and Ilafin ordered closed.
For Kogi Local Government Area, the closure applies to the Rice Market at Adingere, as well as markets in Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya, the Okro Market at Opanda and the Perishable Market at Edeha.
In Mopamuro Local Government Area, markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo and Ijagbe have also been shut.
The state government stressed that the closures are temporary and will be lifted immediately after the successful conclusion of the security operations.
Providing an update on the operations, the government disclosed that security forces have recorded significant successes, including the rescue of 16 kidnapped victims from a camp linked to a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Battijo, located in the Tunga Forest. The camp has reportedly been overrun by security forces, with clearance operations continuing across eight local government areas.
The government reiterated its policy of not negotiating with bandits or paying ransom under any circumstance. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Director General of the Department of State Services Oluwatosin Ajayi, and other security chiefs for their support and the progress recorded so far.
While acknowledging the hardship the closures may cause residents and traders, the government said the measures are necessary to restore peace and security and to minimize collateral damage, noting that movement within the affected areas will be closely monitored.
Governor Ododo has directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), to work with security agencies to ensure strict compliance, while local government chairmen have been tasked with monitoring enforcement and submitting regular situation reports. The Ministry of Information and Communications has also been instructed to intensify grassroots sensitization.
The state government appealed to residents for understanding and cooperation, describing the measures as being in the collective interest of public safety and lasting peace.