Blessing Bello, Reporting
LOKOJA — The Kogi State Government has announced a sweeping security lockdown across the Bunu hinterlands, banning commercial motorcycle operations (okada), shutting down markets and prohibiting night travel on state roads after 7pm in a bid to cut off supply routes to bandits.
The measures, which take immediate effect from Saturday, 13th June 2026, follow a terrorist attack on Iluke community that was successfully repelled by joint security forces.
Officials say several attackers have been neutralised, with many others wounded and trapped inside forested areas across Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
According to a press release signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, intelligence reports revealed that okada riders have become a major channel for smuggling food, water, drugs and fuel to criminals hiding in the bush.
“Some criminal elements utilise motorcycle transportation to conduct reconnaissance and gather intelligence on targeted communities before launching attacks,” the statement read.
The okada ban applies to key corridors including Idoyi Bunu through Illah Bunu, Iluke Bunu and Kiri, as well as routes through Odai Bunu, Igbo Bunu, Ilogun Bunu, Olle Bunu, Ayede Bunu, Oke-Ofin Bunu and Edumo Bunu.
The Ayede Bunu, Aherin, Eshi and Ighun Bunu corridor is also affected.
All markets along these routes have been ordered closed until further notice, while mobile medicine vendors have been directed to stop transporting or selling drugs on motorcycles within the affected areas.
In a further move, the sale of petrol (PMS) and diesel in jerrycans has been prohibited across the entire Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
Beyond the Bunu district, the government has imposed a statewide ban on night travel.
“All movements on state roads must cease by 7:00 p.m. daily until further notice,” the commissioner said.
Anyone found travelling on a state-owned road after that time will be arrested and prosecuted.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed all security agencies to enforce the measures strictly.
The government warned that any individual aiding, supplying or harbouring terrorists would be treated as an accomplice to terrorism.
“These measures may impose temporary inconveniences on law-abiding citizens,” the statement acknowledged, “but the protection of lives and communities remains paramount.”
The security situation will be reviewed every two weeks to assess progress.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies.
