By Mariam Sanni, Abuja And Abdul Salaudeen, Ilorin
Prevailing security realities in Kwara South Senatorial District has forced chairmen of seven local government chairmen councils to shutdown cattle markets in their areas indefinitely.
This is even as Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, appealed to the Kwara State government to urgently intervene in the closure of the markets.
Coming under the aegis of the Forum of Seven Local Government Chairmen in Kwara South Senatorial District, they ordered the immediate closure of all Kara (cattle) markets within the senatorial xistrict.
The painful but necessary decision, according to a statement by the seven council chairmen yesterday, was arrived at after an extensive stakeholders engagement and review.
They said while the invading criminals have been operationally decimated in the last few weeks, clean up operations by the military and hybrid operatives are still ongoing.
“Therefore, all Kara markets have been ordered to shut down with immediate effect from Friday , September 19 until further notice. Other produce markets are hereby directed to close by 6pm on market days.
“This decision, taken collectively by the executive chairmen, is part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen the security architecture of the senatorial district and protect lives and properties.
“This measure is a proactive step, aimed at addressing emerging security concerns and ensuring the safety of residents, traders, and commuters within the district.
“The decision will be reviewed periodically and the markets reopened once a conductive environment is guaranteed.
“While we acknowledge and regret the economic impact of this decision on our people, we have chosen to prioritise the safety of lives and properties, and adhere to long-term coordinated and structured security advisement over and above short-term inconveniences,” the statement added.
It reassured residents and indigenes of Kwara South that the local government councils in conjunction with the state government and relevant security agencies are doing everything within their powers to restore lasting peace to the land.
The statement enjoined all and sundry to cooperate with governmental efforts and security operatives towards guaranteeing the return of lasting peace to our land.
Meanwhile, MACBAN, in a statement issued in Ilorin by the Kwara State Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Garba, described the move as hasty and lacking proper consultation with stakeholders, including traditional rulers, market leaders and traders.
“The proposed closure of cattle markets in Kwara South by the local government chairmen without the knowledge of traditional rulers, leaders and operators is not justified.
“Decisions like this require wide consultations to carry everyone concerned along,” he said.
Garba expressed concern that traders were not informed of the directive beforehand, adding that many still arrived the markets with their goods only to face uncertainty.
According to him, the action could worsen the already difficult economic situation for families in the affected communities and beyond.
“Closing the cattle markets without prior notice at this time will cripple businesses and add to the economic challenges affecting families in the locality, the state and country in general,” he warned.
Garba urged the state government to prevail on the chairmen of Ifelodun, Isin, Irepodun, Offa, Ekiti, Oke-Ero and Oyun Local Government Areas to reverse the closure in the interest of fairness and justice.
AljazirahNigeria reports that Kwara South Senatorial District had witnessed increased cases of kidnapping and banditry with recorded cases of loss of lives that led to certain security measures.
