From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across parts of Kogi West Senatorial District as part of intensified security operations to curb rising insecurity in the state.
The directive was announced in a press statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who said the measure is aimed at flushing out terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements operating within the state.
According to the statement, the closure is in support of ongoing clearance operations being carried out in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and heads of security agencies in Kogi State.
Fanwo explained that the action is intended to cut off logistics, restrict movement of consumables and deny criminal elements and their informants access to food supplies and other forms of support during the operation.
The temporary closure affects selected communities across seven local government areas of the state.
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, where all markets and motor parks have been shut.
In Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, the shutdown applies to 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.
Communities affected in Yagba West Local Government Area include Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara and Oke Ere.
In Yagba East Local Government Area, the closure covers Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe and Ilafin, with all markets and motor parks shut for the duration of the exercise.
For Kogi Local Government Area, 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 Local Government Area, markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo and Ijagbe are also affected.
In Ijumu Local Government Area, markets shut include Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro and Okoro.
The state government stressed that the closure is strictly temporary and will be lifted immediately after the successful conclusion of the security operations, assuring residents that the measures are in the interest of public safety.
