***Bans Social, Religious Activities Beyond 4pm**
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has confirmed that major bandit commanders have relocated into parts of the state, prompting the government to impose a ban on all social, religious, and community activities beyond 4pm with immediate effect.
Ododo made the disclosure on Thursday during an expanded State Security Council meeting in Lokoja, convened amid rising public anxiety over reports of bandit presence in some communities. The meeting drew participants from the security agencies, traditional institutions, and key community stakeholders.
The governor said the decision was necessary to safeguard lives, noting that intelligence reports indicate that bandits and terrorists now target public gatherings as soft spots for attacks.
“This is a trying period for us,” Ododo said. “For the past three days, major bandit commanders have relocated to Kogi State. We will not wait for them to attack us. We are taking the fight to them.”
He stressed that insecurity is not peculiar to Kogi, citing recent global incidents, and insisted that the state must take decisive measures to protect its citizens.
Ododo reiterated that his administration would neither enter negotiations nor pay ransom to criminals. He vowed strict enforcement of the new directive, warning that any church, mosque, or event centre that violates the 4pm limit would face arrest of organisers, closure, or demolition.
The governor said government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, and youth groups were now operating in tighter synergy to counter emerging threats.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as proactive leadership in the rescue of kidnapped students and church members in recent weeks, saying the Federal Government has shown commitment to curbing insecurity nationwide.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Ayo Edun urged residents to remain calm, describing many of the reports circulating online as social media exaggerations. He advised the public to verify information and channel distress calls through established security hotlines.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Highness Tijani Anaje, condemned the spread of misleading videos and messages. He said many of the viral clips were fake and called for stronger collaboration among community leaders to sustain peace.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kogi State, Pastor Adebayo Emmanuel Olaniyan, directed all churches to fully comply with the government’s order, stressing that safety must remain the priority.
