The government of Zamfara state, once again, has taken the decision to close down a total of eleven cattle markets located across the region.
This measure is a response to the escalating insecurity issues that have been prevalent in the area.
The decision to shut down these markets underscores the government’s concern and proactive approach in addressing the rising security challenges within Zamfara state.
This move aligns with the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens, particularly in the context of economic activities such as cattle trading, which might be vulnerable to criminal activities in the affected markets.
The closure, although impacting local trade, is seen as a crucial step towards restoring stability and creating an environment conducive to sustainable economic activities in the long run.
The government took this step in response to the rising incidents of armed bandit activities, particularly cattle rustling.
According to a statement issued by the state commissioner of information, Munnir Haidara, the closure is deemed necessary based on security reports indicating that armed bandits, in collaboration with their associates, are using these markets to sell stolen cattle.
The affected markets include Tsafe and Bilbis markets in Tsafe local government, Jangebe market in Talata-Mafara, Wuya market in Anka, Magamin Diddi market in Maradun, Galadi market in Shinkafi, Mada market in Gusau, Kokiya, Chigama, Nasarawar Godel markets, and Sabon Birnin Danali, all in Birnin Magaji local government.
In an effort to enforce the closure, security agencies have been directed to ensure strict compliance and to apprehend anyone found violating the order.
The state government has urged all residents to adhere to the directive and collaborate with security agencies and government officials in their continuous endeavors to eliminate banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other criminal activities from the state.
Recent weeks have witnessed communities in the affected local councils facing repeated attacks by bandits, resulting in numerous casualties and the abduction of individuals by the terrorists.
Notably, this marks the second instance in the last three months that the state government, under Governor Dauda, has taken the decision to close down cattle markets as a response to the escalating incidents of banditry in the state.
