By Gobina Joseph
The Kogi State Government has ordered temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks in the seven local governments areas in west district of the state in support of an ongoing coordinated security operations in the areas .
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo made this known to newsmen on Sunday in Lokoja.
Fabwo stated that the measure is aimed at flushing out terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements operating within the areas of the state.
He stressed further that 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 ongoing bush combing exercise in the affected areas .
”The directive affects selected communities across seven Local Government Areas of the state.
”The measure is 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 State”, he said .
The affected markets and motor parks in the seven local governments which will remain closed for the duration of the security operations include those in Lokoja, Kogi , Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Mopa Muro , Yagba west and Yagba East areas in west district of the state .
The State Government stressed further that the action is strictly temporary, and will be lifted immediately after the successful conclusion of the security operations in the affected local governments.
Meanwhile, the Kogi state police command has advised residents
of the local governments in the west district to strictly adhere fully to the temporary closure order of the selected markets and motor parks, as announced by the state government on Sunday.
The state commissioner of police, CP Kankarofi advised residents, traders, and transporters in the affected areas to comply with the directive for the duration of the operations in a statement signed by the state police command’s spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat on Sunday.
The police command also advised members of the public to plan their activities accordingly while affirming that the police will closely monitor compliance with the directive with the motor parks and markets closure order
“The Commissioner of Police appreciates the patience and cooperation of residents of the affected communities and assures the people of Kogi State of the Command’s continued commitment to the protection of lives and property”, the statement read .
