Kogi shuts markets, motor parks over insecurity

The Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across parts of Kogi West Senatorial District as part of intensified security operations targeting terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements.

The announcement was made on Sunday, February 8, 2026, by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo. According to him, the closures aim to disrupt criminal logistics, restrict the movement of supplies, and deny suspects access to food and other support during ongoing clearance operations conducted in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and state security agencies.

In Lokoja Local Government Area, the closure affects Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, as well as Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee, and Budon. In Kabba-Bunu, markets and motor parks 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 are temporarily shut. Yagba West residents in communities including Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara, and Oke Ere are also affected, while in Yagba East, the closure covers Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe, and Ilafin.

In Kogi Local Government Area, the Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya, the Okro Market at Opanda, and the Perishable Market at Edeha are closed. Mopamuro residents in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo, and Ijagbe are similarly affected, as are residents of Ijumu Local Government Area, where markets in Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro, and Okoro remain shut for the duration of the operation.

Fanwo emphasized that the closures are strictly temporary and will be lifted once the security operations are successfully concluded.

The directive follows rising security concerns in Kogi and other north-central states.

The Kogi Police Command recently announced the arrest of eight suspected criminals during coordinated bush-combing operations, with some believed to be informants aiding kidnapping syndicates in the area.

The measure comes amid reports from neighbouring Kwara State, where a terrorist attack in Woro Village, Kaiama Local Government Area, left at least 75 residents dead and more than 160 injured.