The Kogi State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Zango Market in Osara, Adavi Local Government Area, and banned roadside parking of trucks due to security concerns.
In a statement on Wednesday, Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, explained that the decision was necessitated by intelligence reports linking criminal activities in the area to the market and parked trucks.
“Intelligence reports indicate that criminal elements have been using the market as a hideout, often in collaboration with some truck drivers who park along the roadside,” Fanwo stated.
He warned that the situation posed a serious threat to the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, and the wider community.
Fanwo noted that the government has given market operators and truck drivers a one-week grace period to comply with the directives.
He further said Governor Ahmed Ododo instructed the Secretary to the State Government to formally communicate the order to all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, to ensure seamless implementation.
Also, the state’s Security Adviser has been tasked with overseeing security operations in the affected areas during and after the grace period.
Fanwo stressed the government’s proactive stance on ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
“Proactive measures will continue to be taken to ensure that criminal activities are eradicated, leaving no room for lawlessness in the state,” he said.
He also commended residents for their vigilance and collaboration in providing timely intelligence to bolster community security.
“We extend our gratitude to citizens for their active participation in the community-driven security framework. Your efforts are invaluable to our collective mission to keep Kogi safe,” Fanwo added.
