Tension Heightened In Kogi, Niger As Security Operation Intensifies

Tension has heightened in Kogi and Niger states, following escalating insecurity in parts of the North Central, particularly after the recent killings in Kwara State.

Naija News reports that the Kogi State Government, in response to the tension, has ordered the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across parts of Kogi West as part of intensified, coordinated security operations aimed at flushing out terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements.

The announcement was made yesterday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who said the move was intended to support ongoing clearance operations being carried out with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and heads of security agencies in the state.

“The temporary closure is to cut off logistics, restrict the movement of consumables and deny criminal elements and their informants access to food supplies and other forms of support during the security exercise,” the statement said.

The directive affects markets and motor parks in several local government areas:

Lokoja LGA: Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee and Budon.

Kabba‑Bunu LGA: Ike Bunu, Aba Marian (Isado), Ofere, Abaa Dola (Ihale Bunu), Aiyede, Oke Offin, Aiyegunle Bunu, Okebukun, Odo Ape Bunu, Agbadu Bunu and Agbede Apa Bunu.

Yagba West LGA: Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara and Oke Ere.

Yagba East LGA: Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe and Ilafin.

Kogi LGA: Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya, Okro Market at Opanda and Perishable Market at Edeha.

Mopamuro LGA: Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo and Ijagbe.

Ijumu LGA: Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro and Okoro markets.

The government stressed that the closures are strictly temporary and will be lifted once the security operations conclude successfully.

Niger Communities Appeal For Urgent Security Intervention

Meanwhile, community leaders in Agwara and Borgu local government areas of Niger State have appealed to the Federal Government for urgent deployment of security agents to end relentless attacks by bandits and other terrorist groups.

At a weekend press conference, leaders described the situation in Borgu kingdom, encompassing Borgu and Agwara LGAs, as “under siege”, with residents living in constant fear.

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, said repeated attacks on residents, schools and police facilities have forced children out of school and farmers to abandon their farms.

He said, “The people of Agwara deserve to live without fear. Our children deserve a secured future. Our people need to farm their lands and sleep peacefully in their homes, but all these are no more.”

He noted the escalation of violence over the past three months, beginning with the abduction of students from Papiri Missionary School in Agwara in November last year, adding that the entire Borgu kingdom has since lost its peace.

Bishop Yohanna appealed for the establishment of a military base in Papiri to reduce incessant attacks.

He said, “We are appealing for a military base that will ensure security presence at all times. These terrorists have occupied our land; they have taken over the forests. The time to act is now before we lose more lives.”

Calls For Emergency Funding And Enhanced Security

Also speaking is Dr Murtala Haliru Dantoro, younger brother to the Emir of Borgu, Alh. Mohammed Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, described the situation as a humanitarian emergency threatening lives and livelihoods.

“Borgu Kingdom is bleeding. Families are being torn apart and livelihoods destroyed. Our farmers, once the breadbasket of the North West, could soon depend on the government’s relief if the current situation is not urgently addressed,” he said.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to approve emergency funding to enable security operatives tackle the crisis without delay.

“The title of Jagaban carries great honour, but it also carries great responsibility. Your people are looking up to you,” he added.

Dantoro also noted that communities are prepared to cooperate with security agencies, including vigilantes and traditional institutions, but require immediate federal support.

A Muslim community leader in Borgu emirate, Mohammed Sani Ibrahim, who spoke with Daily Sun said over 50 persons, mostly children, abducted in Agwara and Kansuwa Dani attacks, remain in captivity.

“For over five weeks, these victims are still not yet rescued,” he said.

The leaders appealed to the President, Minister of Defence, National Security Adviser, Inspector General of Police and Conservator General of National Parks to intervene in the security crisis, calling for the designation of Borgu and Agwara as security priority zones, deployment of military units, reconstruction of Agwara Police Station, and enhanced surveillance of forests and highways to restore peace.