Kogi State Government has directed that all social, religious, and community activities should henceforth end by 4pm in all parts of the state until further notice.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo gave the directive on Thursday in Lokoja during an expanded state security council meeting.
He said the order takes immediate effect.
The governor warned that any social event and religion centre that violate the directive will be demolished.
The emergency security meeting which was attended by representatives of security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders came amid rising public anxiety over reports of bandits presence in parts of the state.
The governor stated
that the measure was taken in the interest of all residents, regardless of religious or political affiliation.
He said the measure was adopted in view of security reports that social and religious gathering have become soft targets of bandits and terrorists.
“Any violator will face the full wrath of the law, which includes arrest, withholding and demolition of the religious place of worship,” the governor said.
The governor confirmed the arrival of bandits and their commanders in the state in the past three days, saying that security operatives have tracked them to some locations, assuring that government will take the fight to their door steps than wait for them to attacks.
He noted that security threats are a global challenge and urged residents to stay vigilant.
Governor Ododo reassured the people that the present administration is working in synergy with the traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, and youth to tackle insecurity in the state.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his proactive leadership in the recent rescue of kidnapped students and church members, saying the Federal Government has shown commitment to tackling insecurity nationwide.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Ayo Edun, called for calm, insisting that many of the circulating reports fueling panic were social media rumours.
He urged residents to verify information before sharing it and report suspicious activity through circulated security hotlines.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Highness Tijani Anaje, speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, pledged full cooperation with government and security agencies.
He expressed concern over wrong and misleading information spreading online, noting that some videos and messages circulating on social media were false.
He called for strategic collaboration among all community leaders to ensure peace across the state.
In his reaction, the Chairman of the state chapter if the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Adebayo Emmanuel Olaniyan has called on all churches in the state to adhere strictly to the directive as issued by the Kogi State Government..
(vitalnewsngr.com)
