The Ijumu and Kabba-Bunu local government councils have ordered the immediate closure of two Zango Cattle Markets in response to rising security threats in their respective areas.
The affected markets, located in Iyara (Ijumu) and Odolu (Kabba-Bunu), were shut down after reports indicated that criminal elements, previously displaced from other parts of Kogi State, had relocated their activities to these locations.
In separate statements issued on Saturday in Lokoja, the Chairman of Ijumu LGA, Haruna Ibrahim, and his Kabba-Bunu counterpart, Dare Zacchaeus, confirmed the decision.
They noted that Governor Ahmed Ododo directed the move as part of efforts to rid the state of kidnappers and bandits tarnishing its image.
Ibrahim explained that intelligence reports revealed criminals were using the market as a base for their illegal activities, prompting its indefinite closure.
He assured that security agencies had been deployed to enforce the directive and warned that anyone obstructing the government’s efforts would face legal consequences.
Similarly, Zacchaeus attributed the closure of Odolu Cattle Market to repeated attacks by herders, bandits, and kidnappers.
He cautioned displaced herders from Zango in Iyara against attempting to resettle in Kabba-Bunu, stressing that any such move would be met with strong resistance and legal action.
Furthermore, Zacchaeus warned traditional rulers against selling land to unknown herders or strangers, stating that those found guilty would face dethronement and prosecution.
He also directed that anyone wishing to sell a house in Kabba-Bunu must seek approval from the local government and provide the buyer’s full identification details.
Violators, he added, would be prosecuted for aiding and abetting terrorism.