Zamfara Government shuts down 11 cattle markets amid security concerns

The Zamfara State Government has taken the decision to temporarily close eleven cattle markets across the state due to security concerns, according to a statement by the State Commissioner of Information, Munnir Haidara.

The closure comes as security reports reveal that bandits are utilizing these markets to trade their rustled cattle. Among the affected markets are Tsafe and Bilbis markets in Tsafe Local Government Area, Jangebe market in Talata-Mafara LGA, and Wuya market in Anka area.

Additional markets included in the shutdown are Magazine Diddi market in Maradun LGA, Galadi market in Shinkafi LGA, Mada market in Gusau LGA, and Sabon Birnin Danali in Birnin Magaji LGA. Kokiya, Chigama, and Nasarawar Godel markets, all in Birnin Magaji LGA, are also affected.

Haidara emphasized that the closure aims to disrupt the bandits’ collaboration with certain individuals to sell their stolen cattle within these markets. The government has instructed security forces to enforce strict compliance and arrest any violators of the directive.

He urged the residents of Zamfara State to adhere to the order and collaborate with the government’s efforts to eliminate banditry in the region.