Temporary Closure Of Markets And Motor Parks In Kogi West Senatorial District

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

The Kogi State Government has announced a temporarily shut down of markets and motor parks across six local government areas in Kogi West senatorial District in the State with immediate effect.

This follows an intensive and coordinated security operations currently ongoing across selected parts of Kogi West Senatorial District.

The affected Local government areas are Lokoja, Kabba-Bunu, Yagba West, Yagba East, Kogi and Mopamuro Local Government Areas.

A statement by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications Kingsley Femi Fanwo says, the operations are being carried out in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and heads of security agencies in the state, with the objective of flushing out terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements.

This he says is to cut off logistics, prevent the movement of consumables, and deny criminal elements and their informants access to food supplies and other support during the period.

He explains that the State Government, after due consultations with security agencies and relevant local authorities, has considered it necessary to temporarily shut down selected markets and motor parks across affected communities with immediate effect.

The closure of these markets and motor parks the Commissioner says is temporary and will be lifted immediately after the successful conclusion of the ongoing security operations.

The Kogi State Government acknowledges the hardship this measure may cause traders and residents of the affected communities however says, this sacrifice is necessary to restore peace and security across the state and to reduce collateral damage, as movements within these areas will be closely monitored and scrutinized.

The statement says, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has therefore directed the State Security Adviser, to work closely with all security agencies to ensure strict compliance with this directive. Local Government Chairmen have also been instructed to monitor compliance within their jurisdictions and provide regular situation reports to the relevant security agencies. The Ministry of Information and Communications has also been directed to intensify grassroots sensitization to ensure full compliance.

It also appeals for the understanding, cooperation, and support of all residents as these critical measures are implemented in the collective interest of peace and public safety