Combined security Forces have pushed out Kachalla Battijo, described as “notorious bandit leader” from his Tunga forest camp in Kogi State.
This is coming against the background of the state government decision to shut down many markets and motor parks around the Western and Eastern parts of the State to enable the security forces flush out the bandits and kidnappers from the state.
In a statement today, February 8, the State Commissioner for information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo hinted that in the ongoing attempt to flush out the bandits, the security forces have already recorded successes.
“As a result of sustained security offensives across eight Local Government Areas of the state, sixteen (16) kidnapped victims have been successfully rescued from the camp of the notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Battijo, located within the Tunga Forest.
“The camp has been overrun and taken over by security forces, while intensive operations continue to ensure the total clearance of criminal elements.”
The commissioner said that markets and motor parks have been shut down as a way of cutting off logistics and prevent the movement of consumables to the criminal elements.
He said that the move would also address the activities of the informants of the bandits and deny them access to food supplies and other support.
“The State Government, after consultations with security agencies and relevant local authorities, has considered it necessary to temporarily shut down selected markets and motor parks across affected communities with immediate effect.
“The affected locations include several communities in Lokoja Local Government Area, namely: Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee, and Budon, where markets and motor parks will remain closed for the duration of the security operations.
“In Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, markets and motor parks in Ike Bunu, Aba Marian (Isado), Ofere, Abaa Dola (Ihale Bunu), Aiyede, Oke Offin, Aiyegunle Bunu, Okebukun, Odo Ape Bunu, Agbadu Bunu, and Agbede Apa Bunu are also affected by the temporary shutdown.
“Similarly, in Yagba West Local Government Area, the closure applies to markets and motor parks in Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara, and Oke Ere.
“In Yagba East Local Government Area, the affected communities include Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe, and Ilafin, where all markets and motor parks will remain shut throughout the period of the operation.
“For Kogi Local Government Area, the temporary closure covers the Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya, the Okro Market at Opanda, and the Perishable Market at Edeha.
“In Mopamuro Local Government Area, markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo, and Ijagbe are also included in the shutdown.
Kingsley said that the closure of the markets and motor parks is temporary and will be lifted immediately after the successful conclusion of the ongoing security operations.
According to the Commissioner, intensive and coordinated security operations are being carried out in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and heads of security agencies in the state, with the objective of flushing out terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements.
The commissioner made it clear that the State Government has resolved not to negotiate with bandits or pay ransom under any circumstance.
“His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Director General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi and all the heads of security agencies in the country and in Kogi State for their unflinching support and the successes recorded so far.
“The Kogi State Government acknowledges the hardship this measure may cause traders and residents of the affected communities. However, this sacrifice is necessary to restore peace and security across the state and to reduce collateral damage, as movements within these areas will be closely monitored and scrutinized.”
