The Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of about 60 selected markets and motor parks across the Kogi West Senatorial District as part of intensified security operations.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, announced the measure on Sunday, stating it is designed to support ongoing clearance operations in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and security agencies.
“The temporary closure is intended to cut off logistics, restrict the movement of consumables, and deny criminal elements and their informants access to food supplies and other forms of support during the security exercise,” Fanwo said.
The directive affects communities across seven Local Government Areas: Lokoja, Kabba-Bunu, Yagba West, Yagba East, Kogi, Mopamuro, and Ijumu.
Specific locations shut include Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park in Lokoja; Ike Bunu and several other markets in Kabba-Bunu; Okoloke and Ejiba in Yagba West; the Rice Market at Adingere in Kogi LGA; and Ayegunle Gbedde market in Ijumu LGA, among others.
Fanwo emphasized that the closures are strictly temporary and will be lifted immediately after the security operations conclude.
He also announced that the operations have so far led to the rescue of 16 kidnapped victims as security forces overran bandits’ camps in the state.
