Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has ordered the closure of all brothels and demolition of shanties in any community suspected to be harbouring criminals in the state.
The governor gave the order on Tuesday, August 2, in Lokoja, during a meeting with all first and second-class traditional rulers and the 21 local government chairmen.
The governor also banned the wearing of facemasks in public places for proper identification.
“We are aware that some criminals will take a machine or keke NAPEP and wear a face cap and nose mask and be spying or going for criminal activities. Therefore, except in hospitals or related institutions, use of nose masks in public is hereby banned and prohibited in Kogi State,” the governor declared.
“All brothels as from today are closed down completely. All brothels, not hotels but brothels where acts of criminality or certain immoral acts are taking place in the state are hereby closed down,” he added.
The governor said the action was taken to curb criminal activities in the state and to ensure that Kogi remains the safest state in the country.
He directed the state commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, local government chairmen, union leaders and security agencies to take a census of tricycle and motorcycle riders for proper documentation.
He ordered all traditional rulers to synergise with security agencies to rid their domains of criminals.
Bello warned politicians in the state to conduct themselves properly and shun acts that could disrupt the peace of the state.
The governor further warned that brothels that operate in the state will be demolished as from tomorrow, August 3, 2022.