The authorities in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State have imposed a strict dusk-to-dawn curfew and suspended all major religious gatherings in a decisive move to address escalating security concerns.
Curfew Details and Security Directives
The curfew, announced by the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Edibo Peter Mark, is effective from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am daily. It commenced on December 2, 2025, and will remain in force across all eleven wards of the LGA until further notice. This measure is part of a suite of urgent actions designed to protect lives and property.
In his statement, Hon. Mark declared a 24-hour security surveillance and patrol regime for communities within Omala. He ordered intensive stop-and-search operations at all border points, to be conducted by personnel of a deployed Joint Task Force.
Suspension of Gatherings and Festive Activities
The chairman explicitly banned all public gatherings. This suspension includes religious events such as Moulud celebrations and Christian vigils. He directed that regular Sunday church services and mosque prayers must be conducted briefly and concluded without delay.
Furthermore, the use of fireworks during festivals has been prohibited. The chairman linked these drastic steps to the prevailing security situation nationwide, specific threats at the LGA's borders, and the need to control the movement of suspicious individuals into the area.
Underlying Security Threats
The security challenges in Omala are reportedly multifaceted. External threats from the LGA's borders are a primary concern. Internally, tensions have risen following the sale of nomination forms for the upcoming local government elections in Kogi State, with contestations for elective positions in the wards creating friction.
Despite the restrictions, Hon. Mark assured residents that security operatives would maintain visible 24-hour patrols throughout the festive season to ensure peace and stability. He appealed for full compliance and cooperation with security agencies to guarantee the safety of everyone in the local government.
Related Security Success in Kogi
In a related development highlighting the broader security operations in Kogi State, troops from the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army in Lokoja have successfully rescued six kidnapped victims. The victims were abducted last Sunday from a Cherubim and Seraphim church in Ejiba community, Yagba East Local Government Area; the pastor and his wife were among those taken.
Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, stated that the rescue was achieved during a coordinated search and rescue mission in the Ejiba and Saminaka Forest axis. The operation involved combined air and ground offensives supported by a Nigeria Police helicopter.
The rescued individuals were found in stable condition, reportedly released by their captors due to sustained pressure from the military operations. Five have been reunited with their families, while the sixth is receiving medical attention.
