Emmanuel Oluwakorede, Lokoja
Kogi State Government says the Cattle Market in Ijumu Local Government Area popularly known as Zango Market remains closed.
The State Security Adviser, Retired Commander Jerry Omodara announced this during a meeting with Fulani Community, and delegations from Iyara and Ijumu Local Government held at the State Command of the Nigerian Police.
The delegation consists of Political Office Holders from the Area including member representing Ijumu, Hon. Omotayo Adeleye Ishaya and Hon. Sunday Faleke, Commissioner for Special Duties, Traditional Rulers led by the Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni, President of Ijumu Development Union, Mallam Ade Fatai and that of Iyara Development Association IDA, Dr. Aliyu Badaki.
Commander Omodara noted that the security of lives and property of the people of the State is paramount to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who will do everything humanly possible within the ambit of the law to protect the citizens.
According to him, Government is not against the Fulanis as a people, but the Governor was elected to protect the people of the State, hence the recent measures.
He stated that whatever will not make the people of the State to go to farm or perform their lawful businesses will be resisted.
Commander Omodara said intelligence reports have shown that the Cattle Market have been used to harbour criminals which negates the reason it was established in 2016.
He said Chairman of the Local Government, Alh. Haruna Ibrahim does not have the power to reopen the Cattle Market as the issue is currently beyond him.
The State Security Adviser noted that similar markets were closed at Okehi, Egbe, Kabba, noting that a Committee will be set up to look into the reopening of that of Iyara if need be.
The State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye urged both sides to maintain peace while a lasting solution is being provided.
According to him, the Command has enough officers to respond to any security threat as anyone found causing trouble will be made to face the wrath of the law.
Dantawaye explained that the meeting followed complaints from the Fulani Community on the closure of Iyara Cattle Market and to nip any impending the security challenge in the bud.
The Chairman of Ijumu Local Government, said he has lost confidence in the Leadership of the cattle market, hence the closure.
He noted that he promised to protect the lives and property of Ijumu people while taking over the affairs of the Local Government, saying he will not compromise.
