By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
In a bold escalation of the fight against banditry and terrorism, the Kogi State Government has announced far-reaching security measures, including the closure of markets in parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, a ban on commercial motorcycle operations in designated corridors, and a statewide prohibition of night travel on state-owned roads.
The measures, unveiled on Saturday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, are aimed at disrupting logistics networks and supply chains sustaining criminal elements currently under sustained military and security pressure in Bunu District.
According to the commissioner, the decisions followed a comprehensive review of ongoing security operations after the recent terrorist attack on Iluke community, which security forces successfully repelled.
Fanwo disclosed that commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, have been banned with immediate effect along several routes within Bunu District.
The affected areas include the corridor from Idoyi Bunu through Illah Bunu, Iluke Bunu and Kiri, as well as routes linking Odai Bunu, Igbo Bunu, Ilogun Bunu, Olle Bunu, Ayede Bunu, Oke-Ofin Bunu and Edumo Bunu. The restrictions also cover the Ayede Bunu–Aherin–Eshi–Ighun Bunu corridor and other hinterland routes within the district.
He said intelligence reports indicated that motorcycle operators have become a major channel for transporting food, water, drugs and other supplies to bandits hiding in forest camps.
“Investigations have also established that some criminal elements use motorcycles to conduct reconnaissance missions and gather intelligence on targeted communities before launching attacks,” Fanwo stated.
The government warned that any motorcycle rider found conveying passengers, goods or supplies along the restricted routes would be arrested and prosecuted under the Kogi State Anti-Terrorism Law.
As part of the crackdown, the state government also ordered the immediate closure of markets, mobile medicine vendors and distributors operating within the affected corridors until further notice.
In another major directive, the government imposed a statewide ban on night travel across all state-owned roads as part of efforts to deny criminal elements the cover of darkness.
Under the new order, all movement on state roads must cease by 7:00 p.m. daily until further notice. Authorities warned that anyone found travelling on state-owned roads after the stipulated time would be arrested and prosecuted.
The government further revealed that security agencies possess credible intelligence on individuals allegedly collaborating with criminal groups and providing support for their activities.
“Appropriate actions are already being taken against such persons in line with extant laws,” the statement noted.
While acknowledging that the restrictions may cause temporary hardship for residents and businesses, the government maintained that the protection of lives and communities remains its overriding priority.
It stressed that the measures are necessary to restore peace and security in affected areas and assured citizens that the situation would be reviewed every two weeks to assess the effectiveness of the restrictions and determine the next course of action.
The latest directives underscore Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s determination to intensify the battle against banditry and dismantle networks aiding criminal operations across the state.
