GovUsmanOdodo
The Kogi State Government has introduced strict new security measures, including a ban on commercial motorcycle operations in parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area and a statewide restriction on night travel, following rising insecurity in the state.
The announcement was made on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who said the measures take immediate effect.
According to the government, the directives follow ongoing military and police operations in the Bunu District after a recent attack on Iluke community, which security forces reportedly repelled.
Authorities said intelligence reports indicate that security operatives have recorded significant success against suspected attackers, some of whom were neutralised, while others fled into forested areas.
To cut off logistical support to the criminals, the government banned motorcycle operations across several rural routes in the affected areas. Officials alleged that motorcycles had been used to supply food, fuel, drugs, and other essentials to armed groups hiding in forest locations, as well as to gather intelligence on communities.
Markets along the affected corridors have also been ordered shut, while the transportation and sale of medicines using motorcycles in the area have been suspended.
In addition, the government placed a ban on the sale of fuel in jerricans within Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, saying the move is intended to prevent supplies from reaching criminal hideouts.
The measures also extend beyond the local government area, with a statewide directive prohibiting movement on all state-owned roads after 7:00 p.m. until further notice. Anyone found travelling after the curfew, according to the government, will face arrest and prosecution.
While acknowledging the inconvenience the restrictions may cause, the state government said the actions are necessary to protect lives and strengthen ongoing security operations.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed security agencies to enforce the measures strictly and warned that individuals found aiding or collaborating with criminal groups will be treated as accomplices to terrorism.
The announcement comes after a recent deadly attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, which left three people dead, including a vice principal and a young pupil, further heightening security concerns in the region.
Security agencies say investigations and coordinated operations are ongoing to track down the attackers and prevent further violence.
Kogi State is currently enforcing the new restrictions as part of wider efforts to curb armed group activity and restore safety in affected communities.