By Ojotule Romanus
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has directed all worship and public centres to suspend all-night activities, emphasising that all such gatherings must end at 4 pm.
This is part of the emergency measures being employed by the State Government to stem the spate of security challenges across the state.
Governor Ododo who gave the directive during a joint Peace and Security Meeting with security agencies, Local Government chairmen, traditional rulers and other relevant stakeholders warned that any center that goes beyond the stipulated time will face demolition.
He reiterated his administration’s full committed to strengthening intelligence operations, deployment of better surveillance, improve access to vulnerable areas, and provide all necessary logistics for rapid security response as part of the moves to secure lives and properties of the people of the state.
The Governor also deslosed that as part of the efforts to protect the citizens of the state and resources, his administration was conducting a full profiling of all mining activities, explaining that the moves is to enable the government to know who is mining, what, where, their workers, and their security arrangements to ensure proactive security measure.
Governor Ododo further directed that henceforth, all Local Government Chairmen, through the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the Ministry of Solid Minerals, must submit a list of all mining sites and companies within one week just as he pointed out that mining and high-value companies must support the State Security Trust Fund with two Hilux vehicles within three months.
“We also urge the security agencies to work together, share intelligence, and intensify joint operations, especially in forests, mining zones, worship centres and schools.
“Kogi remains Nigeria’s major gateway. We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for ongoing road construction. Contractors will open completed sections to ease traffic ahead of the festive season. Security agencies must support FRSC from 10th December, 2025 to 15th January, 2026.
“All Local Government Chairmen have been urged to be proactive by holding security meetings, support vigilantes, and submit mining-site data in their respective Local Government Councils.
“Our Royal Fathers are also to provide intelligence, monitor land use, engage the youth, and identify new entrants into their communities. While the religious leaders are to promote peace, vigilance and moral responsibility. Help detect early signs of radicalisation. For now, we should suspend all night activities in our worship centers”, the governor further stated.
He noted that security remains everyone’s duty and as such, urged citizens to report security threats, stop shielding criminals as we as inbibe to habit of profiling tenants. He warned that any house found harbouring criminals would also be demolished.
Governor Ododo further directed the State Ministry of Information and Communications to intensify grassroots sensitization on the roles of the citizens in the security architecture and to also ensure timely reportage to prevent panic spreading which he stressed, is a security threat on its own.
He reiterated that Kogi State would not bow to criminal intimidation , emphasing that his administration was taking firm and proactive steps to secure it’s land, citizens , schools and resources.
Governor Ododo then acknowledged that with the cooperation of all stakeholders, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, vigilantes, miners, youths and citizens, Kogi State would remain strong, united and secured.

