By Atoyebi Nike
Local government chairmen in Kwara South Senatorial District have ordered the immediate shutdown of all Kara (cattle) markets in the area, citing growing security concerns.
The directive, announced on Thursday by the Forum of Seven Local Government Chairmen, takes effect from Friday, September 19, and will remain in force until further notice.
In a joint statement, the chairmen said the decision followed “extensive stakeholders’ engagement and reviews” and was part of broader efforts to safeguard lives and property in the region, which has suffered repeated violent attacks in recent months.
“While the invading criminals have been operationally decimated in the last few weeks, clean-up operations by the military and hybrid operatives are still ongoing. Therefore, all Kara markets have been ordered to shut down with immediate effect,” the statement noted.
The directive also mandated that all produce markets in the senatorial district must close by 6 p.m. on market days.
The leaders, comprising chairmen of Ifelodun, Isin, Irepodun, Ekiti, Oke-Ero, Offa and Oyun local government areas, admitted the measure would impact local economies but stressed that security must come first.
In a related development, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) announced the relocation of its orientation camp in Kwara State from Yikpata in Edu Local Government Area to Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.
The State Coordinator, Mr Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, confirmed the move, saying it was approved by the state government after concerns about the safety of corps members.
“We are fully prepared to host the orientation course, and the welfare of participants will be safeguarded. Soldiers and other security personnel will be deployed to guarantee the safety of corps members during the three-week exercise,” Joshua assured.
