By Correspondent in Ilorin.
A fresh dispute has erupted in Kwara South Senatorial District following the decision of seven local government chairmen to order the immediate closure of all Kara (cattle) markets in the area over security concerns.
The chairmen, under the Forum of Local Government Chairmen in Kwara South, announced the shutdown on Friday, describing it as a difficult but necessary step to safeguard lives and property.
“If we must choose between economic inconvenience and the safety of our people, we will always choose life. The markets will only reopen when a safe and conducive environment is guaranteed,” said Hajji Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues.
The joint statement also directed that other produce markets in the senatorial district must close by 6:00 p.m. on market days, as part of efforts to support ongoing security operations.
Our correspondent reports that the decision, however, has drawn sharp criticism from stakeholders with the Kwara State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) describing the move as unfair and economically damaging.
“The closure was announced without proper consultation with traditional rulers, leaders, and traders. This is not justified. Many traders came to the Kara markets today unaware of the decision. Such sudden action will cripple businesses and worsen the economic challenges of families,”Alhaji Shehu Garba, MACBAN Chairman in Kwara State said.
In a strong reaction, the Ajase-Ipo Descendants Union (ADU), speaking under the directive of the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Atoloye Muhammed, rejected the directive, insisting that the Kara market in the town would remain open.
“The unilateral decision to shut down Kara markets without due consultation is reckless, undemocratic, and stands condemned. Local government chairmen are not military administrators and must respect established institutions,” the ADU stated in a communiqué signed by its National PRO, Hon. Balogun Monsuru Alabi.
The union nevertheless urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and supportive of security agencies in efforts to tackle kidnapping and other threats in the district.
The standoff has now left the fate of Kara markets in Kwara South uncertain, as councils, traditional rulers, and traders remain locked in disagreement over how best to strike a balance between security concerns and economic survival.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
