The Kogi State Government has announced a series of immediate security measures aimed at cutting off logistics and supply routes to criminal elements currently under sustained military and security pressure in parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of the state.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo announced the measures in a statement on Saturday, which include the immediate ban on the use of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada within designated corridors of Bunu District.
The measures according to the Commissioner, followed a comprehensive review of ongoing security operations in Bunu District after the recent terrorist attack on Iluke community which was successfully repelled.
“The affected areas include the corridor stretching from Idoyi Bunu through Illah Bunu, Iluke Bunu and Kiri, as well as the route from Iluke Bunu through Odai Bunu, Igbo Bunu, Ilogun Bunu, Olle Bunu, Ayede Bunu, Oke-Ofin Bunu and Edumo Bunu. The restrictions shall also apply to the Ayede Bunu, Aherin, Eshi and Ighun Bunu corridor and all other routes within the Bunu hinterlands.
“Intelligence available to security agencies has revealed that motorcycle operators constitute a major channel through which food items, water, drugs and other logistics are transported to bandits hiding within the forests. Investigations have also established that some criminal elements utilize motorcycle transportation to conduct reconnaissance and gather intelligence on targeted communities before launching attacks.
“Consequently, any motorcycle rider found transporting passengers, goods or supplies along the designated routes shall be apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Kogi State Anti-Terrorism Law,” he said.
The government also shut down markets, mobile medicine vendors and distributors located in the affected corridors till further notice.
The statement added that “as part of measures to strengthen security across the state and deny criminal elements the opportunity to operate under the cover of darkness, the Kogi State Government hereby announces a ban on night travel on all state-owned roads across Kogi State.
“Consequently, all movements on state roads must cease by 7:00 p.m. daily until further notice. Any person found travelling on a state-owned road after 7:00 p.m. shall be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“The Kogi State Government wishes to reiterate that it possesses credible intelligence regarding individuals collaborating with criminal elements and providing support to their activities. Appropriate actions are already being taken against such persons in line with extant laws.
“While the Government acknowledges that these measures may impose temporary inconveniences on law-abiding citizens, the protection of lives and communities remains paramount. Extraordinary security challenges often require difficult but necessary decisions, and these directives are designed solely to safeguard the people and secure lasting peace across the affected areas. The Government wishes to assure residents that the security situation will be reviewed every two weeks to assess the impact of these measures and determine the appropriate next line of action regarding the restrictions, based on the progress and successes recorded by security agencies in ongoing operations.”
