Government Imposes 24-Hour Curfew In two local governments over  Band!try, K!dnapping

 

Government Imposes 24-Hour Curfew In two local governments over  Banditry, Kidnapping

In Edu Local Government Area, the Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Bello, confirmed that the restriction of movement covers Gbugbu community, including Gbugbu International Market, a major commercial hub that attracts traders from within and outside the state.

Authorities in Kwara State have imposed a 24-hour curfew on parts of Edu and Ifelodun local government areas following rising concerns over banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes threatening lives and livelihoods in the affected communities.

The curfew, announced separately by the local government authorities, is aimed at supporting ongoing security clearance operations being carried out by security agencies across flashpoints identified as hideouts and transit routes for criminal elements.

In Edu Local Government Area, the Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Bello, confirmed that the restriction of movement covers Gbugbu community, including Gbugbu International Market, a major commercial hub that attracts traders from within and outside the state.

According to Bello, the decision to impose the curfew became necessary.

“The curfew is part of the measures to protect lives and property in the area as security forces continue their operation in areas of interest,” Bello said.

He explained that during the period of the curfew, both human and vehicular movements are strictly prohibited within the affected communities, stressing that the action is purely a security measure.

“It is strictly a security intervention designed to give security agencies the space they need to carry out effective operations. The situation will be reviewed as developments unfold,” he added.

Residents were urged to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and adhere strictly to the directive to avoid unnecessary confrontations or sanctions.

Similarly, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdul Rasheed Femi Yusuf, announced the imposition of a 24-hour curfew across the district, effective from 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

In a statement, Yusuf said the restriction is in direct support of the ongoing security clearance operations targeting criminal networks operating within the area.

“Within this period, there will be no human or vehicular traffic in the entire district. This is in support of the ongoing security clearance operation in the area. Further reviews of this measure will be communicated,” he said.

However, local authorities insist that the temporary hardship is necessary to restore lasting peace and security.

Reacting to the development, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said security agencies have sustained pressure on bandits operating in Edu and Ifelodun LGAs, noting that the curfew would significantly enhance the effectiveness of the ongoing operations.

Speaking on Wednesday, Ojo disclosed that criminal elements in the areas are currently under intense pressure as coordinated operations by security agencies continue.

“Bandits are currently in disarray due to the onslaught against them,” the police commissioner said.

He added that the curfew would also help address the problem of informants who allegedly provide intelligence and logistical support to criminal gangs.

“Coupled with the issue of informants prevalent in some communities, the curfew will help to track and apprehend criminal elements attempting to flee with their families and assist in identifying their collaborators,” Ojo stated.

According to him, the restriction of movement would prevent the escape of suspects, expose criminal networks, and make it easier for security operatives to distinguish between law-abiding residents and individuals linked to criminal activities.

Ojo stressed that the curfews form part of broader efforts by the state to restore peace, dismantle criminal structures, and reinforce ongoing security clearance operations across troubled areas of Kwara State.

He urged residents to cooperate fully with security agencies, report suspicious movements, and avoid actions that could undermine the operations.

The imposition of curfews in Edu and Ifelodun comes amid growing public concern over insecurity in parts of Kwara State, where reports of bandit attacks, kidnappings and rural violence have increased in recent months.

Authorities say the current measures, though tough, are necessary to reclaim affected communities from criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents in the long term.