Kogi State in North Central Nigeria has introduced a new restriction that mandates all social, religious, and community activities to end no later than 4:00 p.m. daily, a directive Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo said would remain in force until security conditions improve. Okay News reports.
The decision was announced following an emergency meeting at the Government House in Lokoja, where top security agencies, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders gathered to address rising public anxiety over recent security breaches in parts of the state. According to information confirmed by officials present at the meeting, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo said the measure was necessary to prevent violent incursions linked to bandit groups.
During the session, the governor warned that any location, centre, or gathering point that violates the new order “would be demolished.” The governor noted that intelligence gathered in the past seventy-two hours revealed the presence of “major bandits and commanders” around certain communities in the state.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo stressed that the early closure directive was meant to safeguard residents across all ethnic and religious lines. “Security operatives have tracked major bandits and commanders to locations within the state in the last three days. The current measure was designed to ensure that the state will take the fight to the criminal elements rather than wait for attacks,” he stated.
He urged residents to maintain vigilance, reminding them that security threats are not unique to Nigeria alone but are global challenges faced by nations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
The governor reaffirmed that his administration is collaborating closely with traditional rulers, religious institutions, security organisations, and youth groups to dismantle threats. He also praised the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his “proactive leadership” that contributed to the rescue of abducted students and church members in recent national incidents.
At the same meeting, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ayo Edun, appealed to residents to remain calm. He described many viral claims circulating online as exaggerated and false, calling them “social media rumours.” He encouraged citizens to rely on verified information and to report suspicious movements through the designated security hotlines already shared by the authorities.
Traditional rulers also expressed their commitment. The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Highness Tijani Anaje, speaking on behalf of other traditional leaders, denounced misleading content circulating on the internet. He warned that several videos and voice notes trending online were fabricated. He called for unity among community leaders to strengthen peace efforts across Kogi State.
This heightened security posture comes after a surge in violent incidents across North Central Nigeria. In recent weeks, thirty-eight worshipers were abducted in an attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, where two lives were lost. All abducted victims were later released after two days. Another significant attack occurred in Niger State, where armed groups kidnapped more than three hundred students from Saint Mary Catholic School.
The Kogi State Government has confirmed that more security measures will soon be implemented as part of its drive to stabilise the environment and prevent future attacks.
