The Kogi State Government has imposed a temporary shutdown of markets and motor parks across parts of Kogi West Senatorial District as security forces intensify operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups.
The directive was announced on Sunday by Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for information and communications, who said the move is designed to support ongoing clearance operations being carried out jointly with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and security agencies in the state.
According to Fanwo, the closure is a strategic measure aimed at disrupting criminal networks by limiting their access to food, consumables and logistical support, while also restricting the movement of their collaborators during the operation period.
He explained that the action affects selected communities in seven local government areas (LGAs) within the district.
In Lokoja LGA, markets and motor parks in Oshokoshoko, Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee and Budon have been shut.
Kabba-Bunu LGA is also impacted, with closures 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.
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In Yagba West LGA, affected communities include Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara and Oke Ere.
Yagba East LGA is similarly affected, with markets and motor parks closed in Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe and Ilafin.
The directive also applies to Kogi LGA, covering the rice market at Adingere, markets in Koton Karfe, Okpareke and Girinya, the okro market at Opanda, and the perishable goods market at Edeha.
In Mopamuro LGA, markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo and Ijagbe are included, while in Ijumu LGA the shutdown affects Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro and Okoro.
The state government stressed that the closures are temporary and will be lifted immediately once the security operations are successfully concluded.
