Kogi Bans Okada Operations, Night Travel in Bunu District Over Insecurity

The Kogi State Government has announced new security restrictions in parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, including a ban on commercial motorcycle operations in selected Bunu District communities and a prohibition on night travel after 7:00 p.m.

Channels Television reported that the measures were announced in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo. The state said the directives followed security operations after a recent attack on Iluke community.

The affected routes include corridors around Idoyi Bunu, Illah Bunu, Iluke Bunu, Kiri, Odai Bunu, Igbo Bunu, Ilogun Bunu, Olle Bunu, Ayede Bunu, Oke-Ofin Bunu and Edumo Bunu. Authorities said the restriction was designed to cut off supply routes used by armed groups hiding in forested areas.

The government said security intelligence had identified motorcycles as a major channel for moving food, water, drugs and other supplies to armed men in the forests. It also alleged that some criminals use motorcycles to gather intelligence on communities before launching attacks.

The Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria was directed to sensitise its members immediately. The government warned that riders found transporting passengers, goods or supplies on the listed routes would be arrested and dealt with under the Kogi State Anti-Terrorism Law.

The state also ordered markets along the affected corridors to remain shut until further notice and restricted the sale of petrol and diesel in jerricans in Kabba/Bunu LGA. Tribune also reported the ban, linking it to efforts to disrupt logistics for kidnappers and other armed groups.

Officials warned that anyone found aiding, supplying, harbouring or collaborating with terrorists would be treated as an accomplice and prosecuted under relevant security laws.

Sources: Channels Television, Tribune