Yahaya Bello orders closure of brothels, bans use of face masks in Kogi

In an effort to reduce crime in the state, Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello ordered the immediate closure of all brothels on Tuesday.

Bello announced the order at a meeting in Lokoja with traditional leaders and chairmen of the state’s 21 local government areas, according to a statement released by his chief press secretary, Sani Onogu.
A few days after three security agents were murdered by criminals in the state’s Ajaokuta local government area, the governor made his decision.

In order to ensure accurate and simple identification of people, he also prohibited the wearing of facial masks in public.

The governor said the action was aimed at curbing criminal activities in the state, and to ensure that Kogi remained the safest state in the country.

He ordered the demolition of shanties in Lokoja, Osara, Zango, Itobe, Obajana, Okaba, and other settlements surrounding the capital.

Bello urged the commissioner in charge of local government and chieftaincy affairs, local government chairmen, union leaders and security agencies to meet with tricycle and motorcycle riders for proper documentation.