Dare Babalola
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) on Friday appealed to the Kwara government to urgently intervene in the closure of cattle markets in seven local government areas of the state.
Recall that seven local government chairmen in the Kwara South Senatorial District ordered the immediate closure of cattle markets due to insecurity in the area.
Reacting to the development, the MACBAN Kwara chapter chairman, Shehu Garba, in a statement to journalists faulted the decision of the LG bosses, claiming that it doesn’t reflect the desire of stakeholders.
He said, “The proposed closure of cattle markets in Kwara South by the local government chairmen without the knowledge of traditional rulers, leaders, and operators is not justified.
“Decisions like this require wide consultations to carry everyone concerned along.”
He expressed concern that traders were not informed of the directive beforehand, adding that many still arrived at the markets with their goods only to face uncertainty.
He stressed that the decision does not consider families in the affected communities so are already facing difficult economic situation.
“Closing the cattle markets without prior notice at this time will cripple businesses and add to the economic challenges affecting families in the locality, the state, and the country in general,” he warned.
Garba urged the state government to prevail on the chairmen of the Ifelodun, Isin, Irepodun, Offa, Ekiti, Oke-Ero, and Oyun local government areas to reverse the closure in the interest of fairness and justice.
The Kwara South Senatorial District of the state has witnessed a rise in cases of kidnapping and banditry in recent times, with recorded cases of loss of lives.
