State government restricts travel, fuel sales
The Kogi State Government has introduced new security rules affecting movement and trade across parts of the state.
The measures include a ban on night travel on state roads, limits on fuel sales, and restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
The decision followed a review of security operations in Bunu District after an attack on Iluke community.
According to the government, security forces responded to the attack and pushed back the attackers, with several of them reportedly killed while others escaped into nearby forests where search operations are still ongoing.
The state government said intelligence reports showed that some motorcycle riders were helping to move supplies such as food, medicine, and fuel to armed groups hiding in forest areas.
It also said motorcycles were being used to gather information about communities before attacks.
As part of the new rules, the use of commercial motorcycles on several rural routes in Bunu District has been banned.
The affected routes include roads linking communities such as Idoyi Bunu, Illah Bunu, Iluke Bunu, Kiri, Odai Bunu, Igbo Bunu, Ilogun Bunu, Olle Bunu, Ayede Bunu, Oke-Ofin Bunu, Edumo Bunu, Aherin, Eshi, and Ighun Bunu.
The government warned that anyone caught using motorcycles to transport passengers or goods along the restricted routes will be arrested and taken to court under the state’s anti-terrorism law.
It also directed the Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria to inform its members about the new restrictions, which started immediately.
All markets within the affected areas have also been closed until further notice.
In addition, people involved in selling or moving medicines on motorcycles have been told to stop operations in those locations.
The sale of fuel in jerrycans has been banned across Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area. Authorities said the step is meant to stop fuel from getting into the hands of criminal groups.
The government further stated that movement on state roads must end by 7:00 p.m. daily. Anyone found traveling after that time will be arrested and prosecuted according to the law.
