Insecurity: Kogi Orders Closure of Markets, Motor Parks

The Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across parts of the Kogi West Senatorial District.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said on Sunday that the directive is part of intensified security measures targeting terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements. 

Fanwo explained that the closures support ongoing clearance operations being conducted alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser and heads of state security agencies. 

He noted that the move aims to restrict the movement of supplies and deny criminal networks access to food and other logistical support.

The measure affects communities across seven Local Government Areas. 

“In Lokoja Local Government Area, the affected locations include Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, as well as Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee, and Budon, where markets and motor parks will remain closed for the duration of the operation,” the commissioner said.

He added that markets and motor parks in Ike Bunu, Aba Marian, Ofere, Abaa Dola, Aiyede, Oke Offin, Aiyegunle Bunu, Okebukun, Odo Ape Bunu, Agbadu Bunu, and Agbede Apa Bunu in Kabba-Bunu.

Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara, and Oke Ere in Yagba West, are also affected.

Other areas impacted include Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe, and Ilafin in Yagba East; Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya, Okro Market at Opanda, and Perishable Market at Edeha in Kogi LGA.

Markets in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo, and Ijagbe in Mopamuro; and Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro, and Okoro Markets in Ijumu.

Fanwo stressed that the closures are temporary and will be lifted once the security operations are successfully completed.

The directive follows rising security concerns in Kogi and other north-central states.

The Kogi Police recently said eight suspected criminals were arrested in coordinated bush-combing operations, with some believed to be aiding kidnapping syndicates.

Meanwhile, a recent terrorist attack in Kwara’s Woro Village killed 75 residents, with over 160 others reportedly affected.