The Ijumu and Kabba-Bunu local government councils have announced the closure of two Zango Cattle Markets in their respective areas following incessant security threats.

The markets are situated at Iyara in Ijumu and Odolu in Kabba.

It was learnt that after the closure of Zango Markets in some parts of the state due to security challenges, especially in Kogi Central, the hoodlums moved to the Iyara and Odolu axes.

In separate statements, the chairman of Ijumu LGA, Haruna Ibrahim, and his Kabba-Bunu counterpart, Dare Zacchaeus, on Saturday in Lokoja, stated that the closure was with immediate effect.

Both council chairmen stated that Governor Ahmed Ododo mandated them “to eradicate criminal elements that give the LGAs and the state a bad image through kidnapping and banditry”.

Mr Ibrahim explained that the closure followed intelligence reports that kidnappers and other criminal elements were using the market to carry out their nefarious activities.

He stated that the market would remain closed until further notice, adding that security agencies had been mobilised to enforce the order.

“The safety of the people of Ijumu and travellers remains his priority, and anyone or group frustrating the government’s efforts will face the wrath of the law,” Mr Ibrahim said.

On his part, Mr Zacchaeus hinged the closure of Odolu Cattle Market on incessant attacks by herders, bandits and kidnappers.

He warned the herders dislodged from Zango in Iyara not to attempt to enter Kabba-Bunu territory.

According to him, any such attempt will be met with stiff resistance and legal action.

Mr Zacchaeus further warned that traditional rulers in the habit of selling land to unknown herders and strangers risked being dethroned and prosecuted.

“Also, area chiefs, who are in the habit of compromising the security in their areas by selling their land and houses to unknown strangers, would be arrested and prosecuted for aiding and abetting terrorism.

“Anyone who wants to dispose of his house in Kabba-Bunu LGA is advised to get approval from the council, with the detailed bio-data of the prospective buyer of such property supplied.

“Anyone found in contravention of the condition would be arrested and prosecuted for aiding and abetting terrorism,” Mr Zacchaeus added.

(NAN)