From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks in the western district of the state as part of intensified and coordinated security operations in the affected areas.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed this on Sunday in Lokoja while briefing journalists.

He said the measure was aimed at flushing out terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements operating within parts of the state.

Fanwo explained that the temporary closure was designed to cut off logistics, restrict the movement of consumables and deny criminal elements, as well as their informants, access to food supplies and other forms of support during the security exercise.

He said, “The directive affects selected communities across seven local government areas of the state.

“The measure is in support of ongoing clearance operations being carried out in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the heads of security agencies in Kogi State.”

According to the commissioner, the affected markets and motor parks—expected to remain closed for the duration of the operations—are located in Lokoja, Kogi, Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Mopa Muro, Yagba West and Yagba East local government areas of the state’s western district.

He noted that the action was strictly temporary and would be lifted immediately after the successful conclusion of the security operations in the affected local government areas.

Fanwo also recalled that the state government, on February 4, 2026, ordered the closure of all primary and secondary schools across the state, a move he said was taken to safeguard lives and property amid prevailing security concerns.

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Benue North East (Zone A), has strongly condemned what it described as “the gruesome and barbaric attack” launched on Abande settlement in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan District of Kwande Local Government Area of the state by armed herdsmen which claimed no fewer than 17 lives.

The party noted that credible reports indicated that no fewer than 17 persons were brutally killed, with several others injured and properties destroyed during the unprovoked attack, calling for immediate and decisive government action.

In a press statement signed by the PDP State Vice Chairman (Zone A), Abraham Waroh, on Wednesday, the Zone A PDP extended deepest condolences to the people of Kwande Local Government Area, particularly the families of the victims, and sympathized with those injured and displaced as a result of the heinous attack.

“We are deeply saddened by the continued loss of innocent lives and call on the relevant security agencies to act decisively by identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting the perpetrators of these atrocities.

“Regrettably, the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia has consistently failed in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property in Benue State.

“Worse still, speaking out against insecurity has seemingly become forbidden, as the Alia administration has entrenched a culture of denial by downplaying the attacks, disputing casualty figures, and refusing to confront the grim reality facing the people”, Waroh said.

The party reminded Governor Alia that the primary purpose of government is the protection of lives and property, maintaining that any administration that fails in this fundamental duty has failed entirely.

“Sadly, the failure of the Alia government in the area of security is glaring, undeniable, and evident even to the least informed observer.

“In view of this monumental failure, the PDP believes that the honourable course of action for Governor Alia is to resign, so that a competent and courageous governor who is capable of defending the people of Benue State can take charge.

“This call has become necessary as the administration persistently ignores warnings and intelligence reports of impending attacks, only to respond after scores of innocent people have been murdered, often followed by attempts to deny or diminish the scale of the tragedy”.

The PDP noted with deep concern that beyond Kwande, several other local government areas, including Ukum, Logo, Guma, Gwer West, Agatu, Apa, and Otukpo, are bleeding daily under the wave of insecurity. Yet, the Alia administration has largely remained silent, offering neither firm condemnation nor words of reassurance to traumatized communities.

“We will therefore not be surprised if, in keeping with its established pattern, the Alia administration fails to officially condole with the people of Kwande or unequivocally condemn the tragic attack on Abande community”, Waroh stated.

From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has uncovered another transnational human trafficking scheme, rescued a 25-year-old female victim trafficked to Mali for prostitution, and arrested a 69-year-old male suspect, one Eze Boniface.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, Daniel Ndukwe, said that the suspect was arrested on 21st January 2026 by operatives of the Command serving in Igbo-Eze North Police Division, following a complaint lodged by the victim’s parents.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect and his cohorts, now at large, in May 2023 allegedly deceived the victim (names withheld) and her parents with the promise of securing her employment in a textile company in a foreign country, where she would earn $100 daily.

However, the victim later found herself in Mali, where she was allegedly trafficked and forced into prostitution, and the syndicate reportedly made about 500,000 CFA francs from her exploitation.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to ensure the dismantling of the trafficking network, uncover other criminal activities of the syndicate, and arrest all those connected with the crime.

He further urges parents, guardians, and young people to be wary of false promises of lucrative jobs and a better life abroad, and to avoid falling victim to the criminal schemes of human traffickers.