Bauchi Govt Lifts Suspension On Cattle Markets Ahead Of Eid-el-Kabir

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has approved the immediate lifting of the suspension on commercial activities in selected cattle markets across Alkaleri, Bauchi, Kirfi, and Tafawa Balewa local government areas of the state.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Mukhtar Gidado, who said the decision became necessary due to the strategic importance of the markets in livestock trading, especially ahead of the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

According to the statement, the temporary reopening will last for two weeks to enable residents access the markets for the purchase of sacrificial animals.

“The measure has been taken in consultation with security agencies, who, alongside local authorities and traditional leaders, will continue to monitor activities in the markets to ensure security and peaceful operations,” the statement added.

On April 9, the Bauchi State Government ordered the suspension of commercial activities in several cattle markets across the four affected local government areas following worsening insecurity.

The government had explained that the earlier suspension was aimed at tackling rising security challenges linked to criminal activities such as cattle rustling, kidnapping, killings, illegal arms transactions, extortion, and other illicit activities allegedly perpetrated through some of the markets.