Kogi State Government has placed a ban on all forms of procession in Koton-Karfe and its neighbouring communities as part of measures to curtail possible breakdown of law and order the area.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Femi Fanwo in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Lokoja said the ban takes immediate effect.
He explained that the proactive ban was aimed at curbing plans by some elements in the area to disturb the peace of the ancient town.
Fanwo reiterated Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo administration’s commitment to peaceful co-existence among Koton-Karfe people of Kogi Local Government Area of the State.
He added that the governor had also pledged that his doors would always remain open to listen to their complaints and grievances as he urged them to embrace dialogue rather than resorting to violence.
“We urge all concerned to strictly abide by the ban as violators will be treated as enemies of peace and the State.
“The decision of the State Government is aimed at protecting the rights of the Koton-Karfe people and indeed, all Kogites, to peace and security.
“We urge law enforcement agents to enforce the ban in accordance with the laws of the land.
“Koton-Karfe people should also be committed to peace and harmony as the Government is prepared to protect them from violence”, the Commissioner said.