By correspondent in Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The Kogi State Government has announced the immediate closure of Zango market and banned roadside parking of trucks in its vicinity in Osara, Adavi Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, explained that the move was prompted by escalating security concerns in the area.
Fanwo revealed that intelligence reports suggest criminal elements have been using the market as a hideout, often in collaboration with truck drivers who park along the roadside.
“This situation poses a significant security threat to the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Osara, and the broader Osara community,” he said.
“To ensure compliance, the government has granted a one-week grace period for market operators and truck drivers to adhere to the new directives.
“Gov. Ahmed Ododo has directed the Secretary to the State Government to officially communicate this order to all relevant parties, including law enforcement agencies, to ensure seamless compliance,”he said
According to him, the governor has also tasked the Office of the State Security Adviser with overseeing security operations during and after the grace period.
Fanwo assured residents of the government’s commitment to their safety, saying, “Proactive measures will continue to be taken to ensure that criminal activities are eradicated, leaving no room for lawlessness in the state.”
He praised the vigilance of Kogi’s residents, adding, “Your efforts in providing timely intelligence and activating grassroots security networks are invaluable to the success of our collective mission to keep Kogi safe.”
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
