A civil society organisation, Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, has called on the Kogi State Government to urgently review the closure of markets and motor parks in Kogi West Senatorial District.
The group said the continued shutdown of the facilities, though introduced as a security measure, is worsening the economic hardship faced by residents, especially those in rural communities.
In a statement issued the Executive Director of the organisation, Idris Miliki Abdul, noted that the closure of the affected motor parks and markets was initially intended as a preventive response to insecurity and the activities of violent non-state actors in parts of the district.
He acknowledged that the government and security agencies may possess intelligence that informed the decision, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains the constitutional responsibility of government.
According to him, the prolonged closure of the business centres is negatively affecting the welfare of residents and slowing economic activities in the affected communities.
Abdul said most of the closed markets and parks are located in rural areas where residents depend largely on agriculture and daily trading for survival.
He warned that with the rainy season approaching, farmers and traders in the area may face greater difficulties transporting produce and carrying out business activities if the facilities remain shut.
The rights group therefore urged the state government to reopen the markets and motor parks as soon as possible in order to ease the hardship on rural dwellers and support agricultural activities across the district.
