Kogi closes markets, motor parks in seven LGs to cut off terrorists’ supplies

The Kogi government has ordered the temporary closure ofmarkets and motor parks in Kogi west senatorial district to support ongoingsecurity operations targeting terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements. Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for information andcommunications, announced the directive in a statement on Sunday. Fanwo said the decision was taken to complement intensifiedclearance operations being carried out in collaboration with the office of thenational security adviser (ONSA) and heads of security agencies in the state. He said the temporary shutdown is aimed at cutting offlogistics, restricting the movement of consumables and denying criminalelements and their informants access to food supplies and other forms ofsupport during the operations. According to the statement, the directive affects selectedcommunities across seven local government areas. In Lokoja LGA, markets and motor parks in Oshokoshoko,Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee and Budonwill remain closed for the duration of the exercise. The closure in Kabba-Bunu LGA covers 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, affected communities are Okoloke, IsanluEsa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara andOke Ere. Yagba East LGA is also affected, with markets and motorparks in Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe, and Ilafin shut temporarily. In Kogi LGA, the directive applies to the rice market atAdingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya, the okro market at Opanda and theperishable market at Edeha. Markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, TaketeIde Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo and Ijagbe in Mopamuro LGA are also included. In Ijumu LGA, the affected markets are Ayegunle Gbedde, IyahGbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro and Okoro. The state government said the measure is strictly temporaryand will be lifted immediately after the successful conclusion of the securityoperations.

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