The Zamfara State Government has closed 11 cattle markets across various parts of the state. Munnir Haidara, the state’s information commissioner, revealed that the decision was based on security intelligence indicating that these markets were being exploited by bandits to sell stolen cattle.
The markets impacted by this decision, as listed by Haidara, include Tsafe and Bilbis markets in Tsafe Local Government, Jangebe market in Talata-Mafara Local Government, and Wuya market in Anka Local Government. Additional markets affected are Magamin Diddi Market in Maradun Local Government, Galadi Market in Shinkafi Local Government, Mada Market in Gusau Local Government, and Sabon Birnin Danali in Birnin Magaji Local Government. The remaining markets are Kokiya, Chigama, and Nasarawar Godel markets, all located in Birnin Magaji Local Government.
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In his statement, the commissioner said, “The state government finds it absolutely necessary to close down these markets due to security reports that the bandits are patronising these markets to sell off their rustled cows.” He further stated that law enforcement has been instructed to ensure adherence to this directive and to apprehend any individual found violating the order. “Security personnel have since been directed to arrest any person found in these affected markets,” he added.
Haidara urged the citizens of the state to respect the order and support the government’s efforts to eliminate banditry from the state.