…….. As 16 Kidnap Victims Rescued, Bandits’ Camp Overrun.
Emmanuel lkpeama
Kogi State Government has temporarily closed selected markets and motor parks in seven LGAs in Kogi West Senatorial District so as assist security operations and flush out terrorists and bandits.
The move is aimed at cutting off logistics and restricting movement of consumables. 16 kidnap victims were recently rescued and bandits’ camp overrun in the operation.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications,Hon Kingsley Femi Fanwo disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday February 8, 2026,stressing that 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.
“The directive affects selected communities across seven Local Government Areas of the state.
“In Lokoja Local Government Area, the affected locations include Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, as well as Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee, and Budon, where markets and motor parks will remain closed for the duration of the operation.
“In Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, the temporary closure applies to 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.
“For Yagba West Local Government Area, 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 Local Government Area, 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.
According to Fanwo, the temporary closure covers the Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya, the Okro Market at Opanda, and the Perishable Market at Edeha.
In Mopamuro Local Government Area, markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo, and Ijagbe are also included in the shutdown.
“In Ijumu Local Government Area, 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.
“The State Government emphasised that the action is strictly temporary and will be lifted immediately after the successful conclusion of the security operations.’