Markets, Motor Parks Shut in Parts of Kogi West as Security Forces Intensify Anti-Bandit Operations

The Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across several communities in Kogi West Senatorial District to support ongoing security operations aimed at flushing out bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements.

The directive, which takes immediate effect, was announced in a press statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo.

According to the state government, the decision followed consultations with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), security chiefs in the state and relevant local authorities, as part of measures to disrupt criminal logistics and supply chains.

“Intensive and coordinated security operations are currently ongoing across selected parts of Kogi West Senatorial District in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and heads of security agencies,” the government said.

It explained that the temporary shutdown of markets and motor parks was necessary to prevent the movement of food, consumables and other forms of support to criminal networks during the operations.

“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, the state government has considered it necessary to temporarily shut down selected markets and motor parks across affected communities,” the statement added.

In Lokoja Local Government Area, the affected locations include Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee and Budon.

For 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 have been shut.

In Yagba West, the closure affects Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara and Oke Ere, while in Yagba East, markets and motor parks in Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe and Ilafin are included.

The directive also applies to Kogi Local Government Area, covering 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 have also been closed.

The government stressed that the measure is temporary and will be lifted immediately after the conclusion of the security operations.

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

Providing an update on the operations, the state government disclosed that significant progress had already been recorded, including the rescue of kidnapped victims.

“As a result of sustained security offensives across eight local government areas of the state, sixteen kidnapped victims have been successfully rescued from the camp of the notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Battijo, located within the Tunga Forest,” the statement said.

It added that the bandits’ camp had been overrun and taken over by security forces, while clearance operations were still ongoing to ensure the total elimination of criminal elements.

Reaffirming the administration’s stance on insecurity, the government said it would not negotiate with bandits or pay ransom under any circumstances.

“The Kogi State Government reiterates its firm resolve not to negotiate with bandits or pay ransom under any circumstance,” Fanwo said.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, according to the statement, 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 security agencies at both federal and state levels for their support and the successes recorded so far.

While acknowledging the hardship the closures may cause traders and residents, the government appealed for patience and cooperation.

“We acknowledge the inconvenience this measure may cause, but this sacrifice is necessary to restore peace and security across the state and to reduce collateral damage,” the statement noted.

Governor Ododo has also directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), to work closely with all security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the directive, while local government chairmen are to monitor compliance and submit regular situation reports.

The government appealed to residents of the affected communities to support the measures, stressing that they were being implemented in the collective interest of peace and public safety.