By JOY SALAMI
The Kogi State Government has unveiled new security measures to strengthen public safety and protect lives and property across the state, with immediate directives to residents, religious bodies, landlords, and hotel operators.
In a statement issued Thursday by the Ministry of Information and Communications, the government said the measures are aimed at curbing criminal activities and enhancing surveillance in vulnerable areas.
According to the statement, the key directives include a total clampdown on all unregistered vehicles and motorcycles; the demolition of buildings identified as hideouts for criminal activities, with owners to face prosecution; and a requirement for churches and mosques to strengthen security in collaboration with security agencies.
The government also suspended all religious gatherings in vulnerable locations until further notice.
It reaffirmed that the ban on commercial motorcycle, Okada, operations in the Bunu hinterlands, as well as the closure of markets in the area, will remain in force until further notice.
Landlords have also been put on notice with the government warning that anyone found harbouring criminals would be treated as an accomplice and prosecuted under the law.
In addition, all hotels in the state are directed to keep complete and verifiable guest records and to install functional CCTV cameras to aid security monitoring.
The Ministry appealed to citizens to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
“When you speak up, insecurity packs up. When you see something, say something,” the statement read.
