The Kogi State Government has announced the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across parts of Kogi West Senatorial District as part of intensified security operations targeting terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements.
The announcement was made on Sunday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo.
He said the closures are intended to support ongoing clearance operations in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and heads of security agencies in the state.
“The temporary closure is designed 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,” the statement read.
The directive affects selected communities across seven Local Government Areas.
In Lokoja LGA, the affected locations are Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee, and Budon.
In Kabba-Bunu LGA, the affected areas include 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, the closures cover Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara, and Oke Ere.
In Yagba East LGA, the affected communities are Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe, and Ilafin.
In Kogi LGA, the directive includes Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya; Okro Market at Opanda; and Perishable Market at Edeha.
In Mopamuro LGA, the locations are Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo, and Ijagbe.
In Ijumu LGA, the affected markets and areas are Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro, and Okoro Markets.
Fanwo emphasized that the closures are strictly temporary and will be lifted immediately upon the successful conclusion of the security operations.
The operations have already led to the rescue of sixteen kidnapped victims.
