Kogi State government has banned all forms of procession in Koton Karfe, the headquarters of Kogi local government area, and all the neighbouring communities, warning that defaulters will be arrested and prosecuted.
This was contained in a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, on Tuesday.
According to the state government, the ban is aimed at curbing plans by “some elements” to disturb the peace of the ancient town.
“The decision of the State Government is aimed at protecting the rights of the Kotonkarfe people, and indeed all Kogites, to peace and security.
“We urge all concerned to strictly abide by the ban as violators will be treated as enemies of peace and the State”, the statement read.
The state government stressed further that its “commitment to peaceful co-existence among all Koton arfe people and will always leave his doors open to listen to complaints and grievances rather than resort to violence”.
“Acting on security reports in order to maintain the peace enjoyed in Kotonkarfe and its environs in Kogi Local Government Area of the State, the Kogi State Government hereby announces a ban on all forms of procession in Koton Karfe and neighboring communities.”
Report explained that there has been crisis in Koton Karfe and its environs since the state government appointed a new monarch, Ohimege Igu of kotonkarfe, in December 2023.