The Kogi State government has ordered the closure of Zango Market in Osara due to rising security concerns in the area.
The decision was announced on Wednesday by the state’s Information Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo.
Fanwo stated that the government had received intelligence reports indicating that criminal elements were using the market as a hideout, in some cases in collaboration with truck drivers who park along the roadside.
This, he said, posed a security threat to the nearby Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, and the larger community.
“These measures are aimed at preventing a potential security crisis in the area,” Fanwo said.
Fanwo also disclosed that the government has banned roadside parking of trucks in the vicinity.
The government granted a one-week grace period for market operators and truck drivers to comply with the new directives, according to Fanwo.
“To ensure strict compliance, the State Government has given market operators and truck drivers a one-week grace period, starting today, (Wednesday) to adhere to these directives. After this period, enforcement will be fully implemented”.
“His Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ododo, the Governor of Kogi State, has directed the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State to officially communicate this order to all relevant parties, including law enforcement agencies, to ensure seamless compliance.
“Additionally, the Governor has tasked the Office of the State Security Adviser with overseeing security operations in the affected areas during and after the grace period.” (The Guardian)