The Chairman of Omala Local Government Area in Kogi State, Edibo Mark, has declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew in response to rising security concerns within the council.
The curfew, effective from 7 pm to 6 am daily, began on December 2 and will continue until further notice.
The council also announced continuous 24-hour security monitoring and increased patrols across all communities.
In a statement on Thursday, Mark explained that the action was necessary to safeguard lives and property following recent security incidents.
He said, “To strengthen safety measures, security agencies are directed to intensify checks at entry points. All border routes must undergo strict stop-and-search operations with the Joint Task Force fully deployed.”
Restrictions were also placed on religious activities.
“All public gatherings, including Moulud, Christian vigils and similar programmes, are suspended until further notice,” he added.
Festival fireworks have been prohibited, and worship centres are expected to keep services brief.
“Sunday services and mosque prayers should be conducted quickly and closed on time,” Mark emphasized.
He called on residents to adhere to the directive and cooperate with security agencies, stressing that public support is essential for restoring peace.
Omala LGA has recently experienced multiple kidnapping cases and communal clashes, prompting the Kogi State Government to set up a forward operational base to tackle the escalating insecurity.
