Bauchi suspends market activities in four LGAs over bandits’ attacks – Tribune Online

BAUCHI State governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, on Wednesday,  suspended all commercial activities in some cattle markets operating in Alkaleri, Bauchi, Kirfi and Tafawa Balewa local government areas of the state with immediate effect.

The measure was taken to address security concerns arising from the use of such markets to support criminal activities, including rampant cattle rustling, killings, kidnapping for ransom, extortion, facilitation of exchange of weapons and illegal monetary supply, among others.

The Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mukhtar Gidado, in a statement, said the markets, while in operation, had become targets for criminals who steal livestock, terrorise traders, and disrupt food supply chains, causing significant economic losses which the government views as unacceptable and a threat to sustained livelihood of the adjoining communities.

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While the measure will remain in force until significant improvement is achieved, security agencies have been directed to ensure full compliance with the order.

The local government councils, the traditional rulers of the affected areas, including Emirs, District Heads and Village Heads were asked to take appropriate measures to sensitise their subjects on the measure and also ensure the effective monitoring of the implementation of the order.

Among the markets based in the council areas are: Alkaleri,  Mansur, Futuk, Ÿalo, Gwana, Yalon Gurza, Kuka, Rimi, Pali, Bokwas, Kwaimawa, Mai-Ari, Gajin Duguri and Maina Ma’aji.