By Margaret Abah
Local government chairmen in the Kwara South Senatorial District have ordered the immediate closure of all Kara (cattle) markets in the area over security concerns following series of herdsmen attacks.
The decision which was taken under the aegis of the Forum of Seven Local Government Chairmen in Kwara South was announced on Thursday after what they described as “extensive stakeholders’ engagement and reviews.”
The chairmen said the shutdown, which takes effect from Friday, September 19, would remain in place until further notice.
They added that all other produce markets in the senatorial district must also close by 6pm on market days.
In a jointly signed statement, the council bosses said the measure was part of efforts to protect lives and property in the zone, which has witnessed a series of violent attacks in recent months allegedly caused by Fulani herdsmen.
“While the invading criminals have been operationally decimated in the last few weeks, clean-up operations by the military and hybrid operatives are still ongoing. Therefore, all Kara markets have been ordered to shut down with immediate effect,” the statement read in part.
They acknowledged the economic impact of the closure on residents but maintained that security must come first.
“We’ve chosen to prioritise the safety of lives and property and adhere to long-term coordinated and structured security advisement over and above short-term inconveniences,” the chairman added.
The leaders assured residents that the state government and security agencies were working with local councils to restore peace, urging communities to cooperate with security operatives.
The statement was signed by the executive chairmen of Ifelodun, Isin, Irepodun, Ekiti, Oke-Ero, Offa and Oyun Local Government Areas.
In a related development, the National Youth Service Corps has relocated its orientation camp in Kwara State from Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area, to the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, over rising insecurity.
The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, confirmed the relocation to our reporter in Ilorin, saying the approval came from the state government after concerns were raised about the safety of corps members.
He said, “We are fully prepared to host the orientation course, and the welfare of participants will be safeguarded. Soldiers and other security personnel will be deployed to guarantee the safety of corps members during the three-week exercise.”
