Oyo Govt Moves To Curb Criminal Activities At Markets

The Oyo State government has vowed to reinforce market security and reorganise all markets within the state to foster a safer trading environment.

At a crucial stakeholders’ meeting to address pressing concerns regarding market security and organisation held in Ibadan, the state’s commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Adeniyi Adebisi, highlighted the government’s directive to ensure safety at various markets across the state.

He emphasised that the engagement was a direct outcome of the resolutions made at the state executive council meeting on March 4, 2025.

He assured attendees that the government would adopt a structured approach in resolving the ongoing ‘Iyaloja’ leadership matter, similar to the resolution of the ‘Babaloja’ issue, by establishing an advisory council.

He encouraged traders to collaborate, exchange ideas, and remain vigilant in detecting suspicious activities.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, commended the government’s proactive stance.

He underscored the significance of market organisation in distinguishing legitimate traders from miscreants, ultimately strengthening security.

He called on all stakeholders, including local government chairmen, to cooperate with traders in creating a safer and more orderly market atmosphere.

Special adviser on Security Matters, Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni (rtd, stressed the importance of collaboration between traders and security agencies to curb rising criminal activities in markets.

Citing incidents such as the Bodija crisis, he urged traders and landlords to enhance surveillance within market premises.

He also pointed out recent fire outbreaks in Ibadan markets, emphasizing that lack of proper organisation often exacerbates such disasters.

CSP Fawole Bukola, representing the Commissioner of Police, and Dr. Morohunkola Thomas, director-general of the Oyo State Mobilization Agency for Socio-Economic Development, echoed the call for enhanced collaboration.

They urged market leaders to maintain close relationships with authorities and promptly report suspicious activities.

Also, consultant on Data Enumeration, Mr. Dayo Bello, highlighted the importance of accurate data collection and trader registration as a tool for improving security and market organization.

The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Mr Olajide Okesade, reinforced the necessity for traders to comply with government policies on market registration.

He also emphasised the importance of sustained dialogue among stakeholders to efficiently address market-related challenges.

Babaloja general of Oyo State, Alhaji Y. K. Abass, expressed gratitude for the government’s commitment to improving market conditions.

He pledged full cooperation from market leaders to implement necessary reforms and enhance security.