The Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across parts of Kogi West Senatorial District as security agencies intensify operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups operating within the state.
The directive was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who said the measure is aimed at supporting ongoing clearance operations being carried out by security forces.
Fanwo explained that the exercise is being conducted in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and heads of security agencies in the state.
“The temporary shutdown of markets and motor parks is designed to disrupt the logistics of criminal elements, restrict their movement and deny them access to food supplies and other forms of support,” Fanwo said.
According to him, the directive affects selected communities in seven local government areas across the state.
In Lokoja Local Government Area, markets and motor parks affected include Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, as well as those in Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee and Budon.
In Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, the temporary closure 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.
Fanwo said 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, where all markets and motor parks have been shut temporarily.
He added that in Yagba East Local Government Area, markets and motor parks in Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe and Ilafin have also been closed for the duration of the security operation.
In Kogi Local Government Area, the shutdown covers the Rice Market at Adingere, markets in Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya, the Okro Market at Opanda, and the Perishable Market at Edeha.
Markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo and Ijagbe in Mopamuro Local Government Area are also affected, while in Ijumu Local Government Area, the closure covers Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro and Okoro markets.
The state government stressed that the closures are temporary and will be lifted immediately after the conclusion of the security operations.
“These measures are not punitive. They are necessary steps to restore peace and ensure the safety of lives and property. Normal activities will resume once the operation is concluded,” Fanwo stated.
The directive follows rising security concerns in Kogi and other parts of the North-Central region.
On Friday, the Kogi State Police Command announced the arrest of eight suspected criminals during coordinated bush-combing operations across the state, noting that some of the suspects are believed to be informants for kidnapping syndicates.
The development also comes amid heightened security tensions in neighbouring states, including Kwara, where dozens of residents were recently killed during a deadly terrorist attack in Kaiama Local Government Area.
