Lokoja, December 4, 2025 – Authorities in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State have imposed an indefinite dusk-to-dawn curfew across all 11 wards of the council, effective Monday, December 2, 2025, until further notice.
The curfew, which runs from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily, was announced by the Chairman, Hon. Edibo Peter Mark, in a statement issued on Wednesday, December 3. The decision forms part of urgent measures to protect lives and property amid rising insecurity across the state and the North-Central region.
In addition to the movement restriction, the local government has declared 24-hour security surveillance and intensive patrols in all communities. Joint Task Force personnel, including police, military, vigilantes, and local hunters, have been deployed for stop-and-search operations at every entry and exit point of the LGA.
Hon. Mark directed that all public gatherings be suspended immediately. Specifically banned are night vigils, Maulud celebrations, crusades, and any programme that keep people outdoors after dusk. Festival fireworks and the use of knockouts have also been completely prohibited.
“Sunday church services and Juma’at prayers must be conducted briefly and concluded as quickly as possible,” the statement read. “There shall be no lingering in places of worship after the normal prayer sessions.”
The chairman assured residents that security agencies will maintain round-the-clock presence throughout the Christmas and New Year festivities to guarantee peace and stability. He urged full compliance with the executive order and called on community leaders, religious heads, and youths to cooperate with law enforcement agents.
Omala LGA, located in Kogi East Senatorial District along the Benue River, has in recent months recorded increased cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and attacks on farmers by suspected bandits who exploit the area’s thick forests and riverine routes. The latest restrictions follow similar emergency measures introduced by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo across the entire state, including the demolition of buildings used for late-night social events and a statewide ban on fireworks.
Residents have expressed mixed reactions. While many welcome the enhanced security presence as a necessary step to curb crime during the festive season, traders and farmers worry about the impact on evening markets and night fishing, major sources of livelihood in riverine communities like Bagana and Abejukolo.
Religious leaders in the area have pledged cooperation. The Omala chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the League of Imams have both directed their members to adhere strictly to the new guidelines, emphasizing that “the sanctity of life comes before any religious activity.”
The curfew remains in force until the security situation improves significantly. Authorities say the decision will be reviewed periodically, but for now, Omala joins several other local government areas in Kogi and neighbouring states where movement restrictions have become the new normal in the fight against rising banditry and kidnapping.
