Kogi Government Bans Okada, Imposes 7pm Curfew In Parts Of Kabba, Bunu Council Over Bandit Attacks

The Kogi State government has announced a ban on commercial motorcycle operations in several communities, closure of markets, restrictions on fuel sales and a statewide prohibition on movement along state-owned roads after 7pm across parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.

The measures, which take immediate effect, were announced on Saturday by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo.

Fanwo said the development followed significant gains recorded by security agencies in ongoing operations against armed groups operating in the Bunu axis.

According to Fanwo, the latest directives followed a security assessment conducted after a recent attack on Iluke community, which authorities said was repelled by security forces.

Fanwo stated that intelligence reports indicated that several attackers had been killed during military operations, while others sustained injuries and remained trapped in forest areas where clearance operations were ongoing.

To prevent the suspected criminals from accessing supplies, the state government said it had approved an immediate ban on the use of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada, in designated hinterland routes across Bunu District.

The affected areas include the Idoyi Bunu–Illah Bunu–Iluke Bunu–Kiri corridor, as well as routes linking Iluke Bunu to 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.

The government alleged that intelligence gathered by security agencies showed that motorcycles were being used to transport food, water, medicines and other supplies to armed groups hiding in forest locations.

It further claimed that some criminal elements had used motorcycles to gather intelligence on communities before carrying out attacks.

Authorities warned that any motorcycle operator caught transporting passengers, goods or supplies within the affected routes would be arrested and prosecuted under the provisions of the Kogi State Anti-Terrorism Law.

The state government directed the Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria (MOAN) to immediately notify its members of the new restrictions.

In another measure, Fanwo said that all markets located along the affected corridors have been ordered shut until further notice, while mobile medicine vendors have been directed to suspend the transportation and sale of drugs on motorcycles within the affected areas.

The state government also announced a ban on the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) in jerricans throughout Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.

Beyond the local restrictions, the state government imposed a statewide night travel ban on all state-owned roads.

“All movements on state roads must cease by 7pm daily until further notice,” Fanwo stated.

Fanwo added that anyone found travelling on state-owned roads after the stipulated time would be arrested and prosecuted.

The state government further disclosed that it possessed what it described as credible intelligence linking certain individuals to the activities of criminal groups and said steps were already being taken against those allegedly providing support to terrorists.

According to Fanwo, Governor Usman Ododo directed security agencies to strictly enforce the new measures and ensure full compliance by residents.

The state government acknowledged that the restrictions could cause hardship for residents but maintained that they were necessary to protect lives and communities threatened by insecurity.

It also warned that anyone found aiding, supplying, harbouring or collaborating with terrorists would be treated as an accomplice and prosecuted under applicable laws.

The state government urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and provide useful information that could assist ongoing operations aimed at eliminating criminal elements from the state.  (SaharaReporters)