Kogi LG Declares Curfew, Bans Vigils
The Chairman of Omala Local Government Area in Kogi State, Edibo Mark, has announced a dusk-to-dawn curfew as security challenges continue to rise in the area.
The curfew, which runs from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., started on December 2 and will remain in effect until further notice. The council has also introduced round-the-clock security surveillance and intensified patrols across all communities.
In a statement on Thursday, Mark said the decision was necessary to safeguard residents following recent security breaches.
He directed security agencies to step up checks at all entry points, with strict stop-and-search operations and full deployment of the Joint Task Force.
The council also placed temporary restrictions on religious activities. Public gatherings such as Moulud, Christian vigils and similar events have been suspended. Fireworks for festivals have also been banned.
Worship centres have been advised to keep services short, with Sunday services and mosque prayers expected to close early.
Mark appealed to residents to obey the directive and work closely with security personnel, stressing that community cooperation is essential to restoring peace.
Omala LGA has recorded several kidnapping cases and communal conflicts in recent months, prompting the state government to set up a forward operational base to tackle the growing insecurity.