TheCable

Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi, has banned the wearing of face masks in public places within the state.

The governor gave the order on Tuesday in Lokoja, the Kogi capital, during a meeting with traditional rulers and council chairpersons from the 21 LGAs in the state.

According to a statement by the Kogi government, the ban is to ensure proper identification of persons.

The development comes days after the governor suspended Musa Isah Achuja, the Ohi of Eganyi, following the killing of police officers and vigilantes in Ajaokuta LGA.

Bello also ordered the immediate closure of brothels in the state, adding that the move is to curb criminal activities.

The governor, who also ordered the demolition of shanties in Lokoja, Osara, Zango, Itobe, Obajana Okaba, among other areas, directed the immediate removal of trailers parks located 30 metres away from expressways.

Meanwhile, the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, local government chairpersons, union leaders, and security agencies have been directed to meet with tricycle and motorcycle riders for “proper profiling” of commercial vehicle operators.

Bello also urged traditional rulers to ensure they are aware of activities in their areas, and advised residents to support security agencies through the provision of information on suspicious activities.

Present at the meeting included Matthew Opaluwa, the Attah Igala; Aso Ibrahim, Ohinoyi of Ebiraland; Solomon Owoniyi, Obaro of Kabba; and Abdulrazak Isah-Koto, Ohimege-Igu of Kotonkarfe.