Kwara Chairmen Make U-turn, Shelve Closure Of Cattle Markets In 7 LGs

Chairmen of seven local government areas in Kwara South Senatorial District, on Saturday rescinded the closure order earlier placed on all cattle markets within the district.

The council chairmen had on Friday announced the closure of the cattle markets, citing the prevailing security realities in the district as the reason for their decision.

The local governments include Ifelodun, Isin, Irepodun, Ekiti, Oke-Ero, Offa and Oyun.

However, the chairmen rescinded their earlier decision at the end of a meeting held with traditional rulers in Kwara South at the palace of Olupo of Ajase-Ipo.

In a statement jointly signed by the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu and the chairman of Isin local government, Hon. Benjamin Jolayemi, the seven chairmen review the closure directive on all Kaara Markets in Kwara South.

They resolved “unanimously agreed that all markets in Kwara South shall henceforth operate between the hours of 6am – 6pm every market day.

“That the seven local government chairmen of Kwara South and the traditional rulers in Kwara South shall immediately hold a meeting with the leadership of the cattle merchants in Kwara South.”

Stakeholders at the meeting commended the proactive leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the support of all other stakeholders in the multilayered efforts to strengthen public safety.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state had kicked against shutting of the cattle markets, appealing to the state government to intervene in the matter.

State chairman of MACBAN, Alh Shehu Garba argued that closure of the cattle markets without the knowledge of traditional rulers, leaders and operators could not be justified.

Garba said this will cripple businesses and add to the economic challenges affecting families in the locality, the state and the country in general.

He therefore appealed for the immediate reversal of the closure in the interest of justice and fairness.