Inseurity:Kogi Govt Shuts Selected Markets, Motor Parks in Kogi West

,,,,Backs Security Offensive, Rescues 16 Kidnap Victims

By Correspondent in Lokoja.
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 to flush out terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements in the area.

This is contained in a statement signed by The statement, signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo in Lokoja on Sunday.

He said the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), has been directed to ensure strict compliance, while local government chairmen are to monitor implementation and submit regular situation reports.

According to the commissioner,the decision, is to support 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.

Fanwo added that it is also aimed at cutting off logistics, restricting movement and denying criminals access to food supplies and other support.

Affected areas include several communities in Lokoja Local Government Area such as Oshokoshoko, Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee and Budon, where markets and motor parks have been shut with immediate effect.

In Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, the closure covers 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.

Similarly, markets and motor parks in Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara and Oke Ere in Yagba West Local Government Area have been closed, while Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe and Ilafin in Yagba East Local Government Area are also affected.

In Kogi Local Government Area, the shutdown applies to the Rice Market in Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya, the Okro Market in Opanda and the Perishable Market in Edeha.

Markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo and Ijagbe in Mopamuro Local Government Area are equally included.

The government said the closures are temporary and will be lifted immediately after the successful conclusion of the security operations.

Explaining the rationale behind the measure, the state government said it became necessary after consultations with security agencies and local authorities to prevent the movement of consumables and other logistics that could aid criminal elements and their informants during the operations.

The government disclosed that the ongoing security offensives are already yielding results, with 16 kidnapped victims rescued from the camp of a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Battijo, located within the Tunga Forest.

According to the statement,said the camp has been overrun and taken over by security forces, while clearance operations continue across eight local government areas.

Reaffirming its security policy, the government stated that it would not negotiate with bandits or pay ransom under any circumstances.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, and heads of security agencies for their support and the successes recorded so far.

While acknowledging the hardship the closures may cause traders and residents, the government appealed for understanding and cooperation, describing the measure as a necessary sacrifice to restore peace and public safety across the state.

Edited by Dada Ahmed.