Beatrice Gondyi Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of commercial activities in several cattle markets across Alkaleri, Bauchi, Kirfi, and Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas, citing escalating security concerns.
The directive, approved by Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, affects multiple markets identified as hotspots for criminal activities.
These include major cattle trading centers in Alkaleri such as Alkaleri, Mansur, Futuk, Yalo, Gwana, and several others, as well as Liman Katagum in Bauchi LGA, markets in Kirfi including Lariski, Bara, and Sharfuri night market, and locations like Burga, Bununu, and Zwall in Tafawa Balewa.
According to a statement issued by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the decision was taken as part of efforts to tackle growing insecurity linked to the operations of these markets.
The government noted that the affected markets had increasingly been used to facilitate criminal activities such as cattle rustling, kidnapping for ransom, killings, extortion, and the illegal exchange of weapons and funds.
It added that the situation had not only threatened public safety but also disrupted food supply chains and caused significant economic losses to traders and local communities.
Describing the development as unacceptable, the government stressed that the continued operation of the markets posed a serious risk to livelihoods and stability in the affected areas.
The suspension, which takes immediate effect, is described as a temporary measure that will remain in place until there is a notable improvement in the security situation.
Security agencies have been directed to enforce strict compliance with the order, while local government authorities and traditional institutions—including emirs, district heads, and village heads—have been tasked with sensitizing residents and ensuring effective monitoring of the directive.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace and safeguarding economic activities across the state.
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