By THOMPSON YAMPUT

The Kogi Government has ordered a temporary closure of some selected markets and motor parks in Kogi West Senatorial District as part of measures to intensify and coordinate security operations.

Mr Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information, made the disclosure in a statement on Sunday in Lokoja.

Fanwo explained that the action of the government was aimed at flushing out terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements operating within the state.

He said the measure was in support of ongoing clearance operations being carried out in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and heads of security agencies in Kogi.

“The temporary closure is intended 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 directive affects selected communities across seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state,” he said.

Fanwo listed the area as follows: In Kabba-Bunu LGA, markets and motor parks that were close 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.

“For Yagba West LGA, affected communities include Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara, and Oke Ere, where markets and motor parks have also been shut temporarily.

“In Yagba East LGA, the closure covers Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe, and Ilafin, with all markets and motor parks remaining closed throughout the period of the security operations,” he stated.

Others are Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee and Budon markets and motor parks, which would remain closed for the duration of the operation.

In Kogi LGA, he said the temporary closure covers the Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, and Girinya; the Okro Market at Opanda; and the Perishable Market at Edeha.

Fanwo said that in Mopamuro LGA, markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo, and Ijagbe are also included in the shutdown.

“Lastly, in Ijumu LGA, the affected markets include Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro, and Okoro Markets, which will remain closed for the duration of the security operations,” he said.

According to the commissioner, the action of the government is strictly temporary and will be lifted immediately after the successful conclusion of the security operations.

He announced that a total of 16 kidnapped victims have been rescued as security operatives overran bandits’ camps in Kogi in the fight against insecurity. (NAN)