Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Ichalla Wada (rtd)

By Shola Oyeyipo 

Residents of Okene, the headquarters of the Central Senatorial District, Kogi State are groaning as they are now being prevented from moving about during the day.

Major streets are deserted as military officers have restricted movement beyond the curfew period imposed by the state government.

The state governor, Captain Idris Ichalla Wada(rtd), had  banned the activities of commercial motorcyclists between 6pm and 6am in Okene and also placed a dusk to dawn curfew on the troubled town following last Monday’s attack on worshippers at the Deeper Life Bible Church, Okene and the killing of two military officers the following day. But commercial activities have been paralysed since the army took over.

It will be recalled that two army officers were attacked and killed in their patrol van by unidentified gunmen last Tuesday in Okene when attempting to maintain order.

All shops are now shut throughout the day and inter-state travellers who usually ply the Okene road are now diverting through Kabba to avoid the gridlock at Okene while residents have continued to groan under the hardship.

Earlier in the day, the police commissioner, Mr. Muhammad Katsina, had vowed that the order given by the governor, Captain Wada, would be implemented to the letter.

Though the order did not include a total ban on movement in the affected part of the state capital, the people decided to quit the streets for fear of the stern-looking military officers.