KEY POINTS

• Kogi State has temporarily closed markets and motor parks in seven LGAs to support security operations against terrorists and bandits.

• The move is aimed at cutting off supply chains, logistics and movement of consumables to criminal elements.

• The government says the closures are temporary and will be lifted once security operations are concluded.

The Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of markets and motor parks across parts of the Kogi West Senatorial District as part of intensified security operations targeting terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements operating in the area.

The directive was announced on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who said the measure was taken to complement ongoing clearance operations being carried out by security agencies in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

According to Fanwo, the temporary shutdown is designed to disrupt the logistics and supply chains of criminal groups by restricting access to food, consumables and other forms of support.

He explained that markets and motor parks often serve as points through which criminal elements and their informants obtain supplies and move freely, making their closure critical to the success of the ongoing operations.

“The decision is intended to cut off logistics, restrict the movement of consumables and deny criminals and their collaborators access to food supplies and other support during the exercise,” the statement said.

Seven Local Government Areas Affected

In Lokoja Local Government Area, markets and motor parks in Oshokoshoko, Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee and Budon have been shut for the duration of the operation.

In Kabba-Bunu LGA, the affected locations include 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.

Closures Extend to Yagba, Kogi, Mopamuro and Ijumu LGAs

Markets and motor parks in Yagba West LGA affected by the order include Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara and Oke Ere.

In Yagba East LGA, the shutdown covers Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe and Ilafin.

For Kogi LGA, the closure applies to the rice market at Adingere, markets in Koton Karfe, Okpareke and Girinya, the okro market at Opanda, and the perishable market at Edeha.

Communities affected in Mopamuro LGA include Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo and Ijagbe.

In Ijumu LGA, the markets in Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro and Okoro are also closed.