The security situation in Kwara State escalated over the weekend with the twin announcements of the closure of cattle markets in Kwara South and the relocation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp from Yikpata in Edu Local Government Area to Ilorin.
These two senatorial districts, along with the northern parts of the state, have been hotbeds of insecurity despite efforts by the state government and various security agencies to tackle the issue.
The security situation in Kwara State escalated over the weekend with the twin announcements of the closure of cattle markets in Kwara South and the relocation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp from Yikpata in Edu Local Government Area to Ilorin.
These two senatorial districts, along with the northern parts of the state, have been hotbeds of insecurity despite efforts by the state government and various security agencies to tackle the issue.
The first announcement came from the Forum of Seven Local Government Chairmen in Kwara South, who ordered the immediate shutdown of all Kara cattle markets in their districts. The chairmen—Abdulrasheed Yusuf (Ifelodun), Benjamin Jolayemi (Isin), Azeez Yakub (Irepodun), Awelewa Gabriel (Ekiti), James Fadipe (Oke-Ero), Sulyman Olatunji (Offa), and Akanbi Olarewaju (Oyun)—cited the prevailing security realities and the need to prevent further infiltration of criminal networks as their justification.
They explained that while security agencies had made progress in decimating armed groups, clean-up and mop-up operations were still ongoing. As a precautionary step, they said all Kara (cattle) markets must remain closed indefinitely, while other produce markets would be restricted to a 6:00 p.m. closure on market days.
“This decision, taken collectively by the Executive Chairmen, is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the security architecture of the Senatorial District and protect lives and property,” the chairmen stated. They admitted the measure was painful and disruptive to economic activities but argued that saving lives must take precedence over short-term inconveniences.
The directive, however, triggered an immediate backlash from stakeholders. The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) described the closure as hasty and lacking proper consultation. Its state chairman, Alhaji Shehu Garba, said cattle traders were not consulted, stressing that many traveled long distances to supply the markets only to be met with uncertainty. According to him, such sudden action would cripple businesses and deepen economic hardship in a region already battling high inflation and limited opportunities. He urged the state government to intervene and prevail on the chairmen to reverse the decision in the interest of fairness and justice.
Traditional rulers in Kwara South also weighed in, convening a meeting at the palace of the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu. After extensive deliberations, the council chairmen rescinded their earlier position. In a joint resolution signed by the Olupo and the chairman of Isin Local Government, Hon. Benjamin Jolayemi, they agreed that cattle markets could reopen but would operate between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on every market day. They also resolved to hold immediate consultations with the leadership of cattle merchants to ensure compliance and improve security surveillance.
A resident of Ajase, home to one of the most popular Kara markets in the state, Idrissu Musa, told Daily Trust on Sunday that the latest adjustment was not helpful. According to him, while other markets could survive, the cattle market would be seriously affected because most business starts around 5:00 p.m. and runs past 10:00 p.m.
“We are seriously appealing for the state government to extend the time because the cattle sellers will be greatly affected. Contrary to the position of the council chairmen, closure of the market would worsen the situation. Only God knows how many people depend on the market to survive, and if they can no longer get where to go, some might be lured or brainwashed into criminality and banditry. That is the truth,” he noted. He said the situation had already started affecting his colleagues who are cattle traders, as some people “had begun enforcing the directive as we speak.”