Bauchi suspends operation of cattle markets in 25 major locations for security concerns
David Ayodele
Bauchi State Government has suspended the sales and purchase of cattle in 25 markets across four local governments over security concerns.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado, said the suspension would affect commercial activities in some cattle markets in Alkaleri, Bauchi, Kirfi and Tafawa Balewa LGAs.
It said the measure was taken to address security concerns arising from the use of such markets to support criminal activities including banditry, cattle rustling, killings, kidnapping, extortion, facilitation of exchange of weapons and illegal monetary supply.
“The markets had become tactical targets for criminals who steal livestock, terrorise traders and disrupt food supply chains, causing significant economic losses, and the government views this as unacceptable and a threat to sustained livelihood of the adjoining communities,” it explained.
According to the statement, security agencies have been directed to ensure full compliance with the order, while local councils and the traditional rulers of the affected local councils have equally been advised to take appropriate measures to sensitize their subjects on the matter and to also ensure effective monitoring of implementation of the order.
The identified markets include 14 in Alkaleri, one in Bauchi, five in Kirfi, and five in Tafawa Balewa LGAs.
The identified markets based on the LGAs are as follows:
ALKALERI LGA
1. Alkaleri
2. Mansur
3. Futuk
4. Ÿalo
5. Gwana
6. Yalon Gurza
7. Kuka
8. Rimi
9. Pali
10. Bokwas
11. Kwaimawa
12. Mai – Ari
13. Gajin Duguri
14. Maina Ma’aji
BAUCHI LGA
1. Liman katagum
KIRFI LGA
1. Lariski
2. Bara
3. Sharfuri (night market) ,
4. Cheledi
5. Boli
TAFAWA BALEWA
1. Burga
2. Bununu
3. Ball
4. kulumbo
5. Zwall
