The Kogi government has ordered the temporary closure of markets and motor parks in Kogi west senatorial district to support ongoing security operations targeting terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for information and communications, announced the directive in a statement on Sunday.
Fanwo said the decision was taken to complement intensified clearance operations being carried out in collaboration with the office of the national security adviser (ONSA) and heads of security agencies in the state.
He said the temporary shutdown is aimed at cutting off logistics, restricting the movement of consumables and denying criminal elements and their informants access to food supplies and other forms of support during the operations.
According to the statement, the directive affects selected communities across seven local government areas.
In Lokoja LGA, markets and motor parks in Oshokoshoko, Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee and Budon will remain closed for the duration of the exercise.
The closure in Kabba-Bunu LGA 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.
In Yagba West LGA, affected communities are Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara and Oke Ere.
Yagba East LGA is also affected, with markets and motor parks in Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe, and Ilafin shut temporarily.
In Kogi LGA, the directive applies to the rice market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya, the okro market at Opanda and the perishable market at Edeha.
Markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo and Ijagbe in Mopamuro LGA are also included.
In Ijumu LGA, the affected markets are Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro and Okoro.
The state government said the measure is strictly temporary and will be lifted immediately after the successful conclusion of the security operations.
