Amanze Chinonye
The Kogi State Government has ordered that all social, religious and community activities across the state must end by 4:00 p.m. daily until further notice, citing rising security concerns and the need to prevent attacks on public gatherings.
The directive, announced by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, followed an expanded meeting of the State Peace and Security Council in Lokoja, where security chiefs, traditional rulers and community leaders reviewed intelligence indicating potential infiltration of armed groups into parts of the state.
Under the new order, events such as church services, mosque activities, weddings, vigils, cultural meetings and other public gatherings must shut down by 4 p.m. each day. The government warned that failure to comply could lead to arrests of organisers and demolition of venues found violating the directive.
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Governor Ododo said the decision was part of a broader “security blitz” aimed at safeguarding residents, stressing that the state would not ignore credible intelligence suggesting possible threats to public safety. He also directed security agencies to intensify surveillance and joint operations, while ordering stricter profiling of mining sites that authorities believe may be exploited as cover by criminal elements.
Traditional rulers who attended the security council meeting expressed support for the measures, while the government urged religious organisations and community leaders to ensure full compliance.
The restrictions, officials said, will remain in place until security agencies confirm that the threat level has significantly reduced.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
