BREAKING: Kogi shut markets, motor parks to avert terrorist attacks

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has ordered a temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks accross Kogi West, in what was described as “ongoing security operations”

In a statement on Saturday signed by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, the governor disclosed that an intensive and coordinated security operations were being carried out to flush out bandits and criminal elements in the state.

The statement reads: “The Kogi State Government wishes to inform the general public that intensive and coordinated security operations are currently ongoing across selected parts of Kogi West Senatorial District. These operations are being carried out in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and heads of security agencies in the state, with the objective of flushing out terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements.

“In order to cut off logistics, prevent the movement of consumables, and deny criminal elements and their informants access to food supplies and other support during this period, the State Government, after consultations with security agencies and relevant local authorities, has considered it necessary to temporarily shut down selected markets and motor parks across affected communities with immediate effect.

“The affected locations include several communities in Lokoja Local Government Area, namely Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee, and Budon, where markets and motor parks will remain closed for the duration of the security operations.

“In Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, 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 are also affected by the temporary shutdown.

“Similarly, in Yagba West Local Government Area, the closure applies to markets and motor parks in Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara, and Oke Ere.

“In Yagba East Local Government Area, the affected communities include Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe, and Ilafin, where all markets and motor parks will remain shut throughout the period of the operation.

“For Kogi Local Government Area, the temporary closure covers 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 included in the shutdown.

“The closure of these markets and motor parks is temporary and will be lifted immediately after the successful conclusion of the ongoing security operations.

“The ongoing clearance operations are already recording heartwarming successes. As a result of sustained security offensives across eight Local Government Areas of the state, sixteen (16) kidnapped victims have been successfully rescued from the camp of the notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Battijo, located within the Tunga Forest. The camp has been overrun and taken over by security forces, while intensive operations continue to ensure the total clearance of criminal elements.

“The Kogi State Government reiterates its firm resolve not to negotiate with bandits or pay ransom under any circumstance. His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi and all the heads of security agencies in the country and in Kogi State for their unflinching support and the successes recorded so far.

The Kogi State Government acknowledges the hardship this measure may cause traders and residents of the affected communities. However, this sacrifice is necessary to restore peace and security across the state and to reduce collateral damage, as movements within these areas will be closely monitored and scrutinized.

“His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), to work closely with all security agencies to ensure strict compliance with this directive. Local Government Chairmen have also been instructed to monitor compliance within their jurisdictions and provide regular situation reports to the relevant security agencies. The Ministry of Information and Communications has also been directed to intensify grassroots sensitization to ensure full compliance.

“The Kogi State Government appeals for the understanding, cooperation, and support of all residents as these critical measures are implemented in the collective interest of peace and public safety.”