Chairmen of seven local government areas in Kwara south senatorial district yesterday revoked the closure order they had 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 government chairmen are Abdulrasheed Yusuf ( Ifelodun), Hon. Benjamin Jolayemi (Isin),
Hon. Azeez Yakub( Irepodun ),Hon. Awelewa Gabriel (Ekiti),Hon. James Fadipe of (Oke-Ero),Hon. Sulyman Olatunji (Offa) and Hon. Akanbi Olarewaju( Oyun).
They rescinded their earlier decision at the end of a meeting held with the traditional rulers in Kwara South at the palace of Olupo of Ajase- Ipo.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, they resolved to review the ban imposed on all Kaara markets in Kwara South.
Other resolutions include; “That the seven chairmen of local government in Kwara south and the traditional rulers in Kwara south 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.”
The stakeholders at the meeting commended the proactive leadership of the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the support of all other stakeholders in the multilayered efforts to strengthen public safety.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state had kicked against the shutting of the cattle markets, appealing to the state government to intervene in the matter.
In a statement, the state chairman of MACBAN, Alh Shehu Garba said the closure of the cattle markets without the knowledge of the traditional rulers, leaders and operators could not be justified.