Kogi LG Chairman Imposes Curfew Ahead of Natasha Akpoti’s Rally Over Security Concerns

Amoka Monday, chairman of Okehi Local Government Area in Kogi State, has imposed a curfew across the council, citing security concerns ahead of a planned homecoming rally for suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In a statement, Monday said the curfew was necessary to maintain peace and order, following directives from the Kogi State Government and the state police. He warned that individuals found loitering or assembling in restricted areas without clearance from the authorities would be arrested and prosecuted. According to him, the safety and security of residents remain the government’s top priority, and any action that threatens stability will not be tolerated.

The curfew comes amid broader restrictions imposed by the state government, which earlier announced a ban on rallies and public gatherings, citing credible security reports. Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the decision was made to prevent potential threats to public safety.

Despite the restrictions, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s media team has insisted that her visit to Kogi Central for the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations will go ahead as planned, assuring residents that necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a peaceful event. However, the Kogi State Police Command has urged the senator to cancel her rally, warning of possible security threats based on intelligence reports.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has been in the spotlight following her six-month suspension from the Senate and allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. On March 26, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) notified her of a recall petition from members of her constituency, reportedly backed by 250,000 signatures from 488,000 registered voters.