Insecurity: Group kicks in opposition to reopening of cattle market in Odolu Kabba

A bunch beneath the auspices of Involved Residents of Kabba and its surrounding communities has kicked in opposition to the reopening of the cattle market in Odolu Kabba Bunu Native Authorities Space of Kogi State.

This was contained in a press release signed by Excessive Chief Adewale Ojo, the Obaradeyo of Oweland on Tuesday.

Whereas calling on all conventional rulers, group leaders, native authorities authorities, and each son and daughter of Okunland to face in unity and converse with one voice, he urged all the of Okun extractions to reject this plan to transform Odolu Market right into a cattle market.

The assertion reads partly “We, the involved residents of Kabba and its surrounding communities, unequivocally categorical our sturdy opposition to the reopening of the cattle market at Odolu, Kabba—wrongly referred to in some quarters because the “Sango market.”

“This plan, coming intently on the heels of the closure of the Iyara cattle market as a result of escalating insecurity, will not be solely ill-advised but in addition dangerously out of contact with the realities on the bottom.

“At the beginning, let the information be clear: the official title of the market in query is Odolu Market, Kabba, not Sango Market. This market was established within the Eighties by the previous Kwara State Authorities as an everyday group market, not a cattle market.

“For environmental and public well being causes, the cattle market that after existed nearer to Kabba was relocated about 9 years in the past by Chief Funsho Otu, throughout his tenure because the Native Authorities Chairman, to Ayere Street.

“That designated website was rejected by the merchants, who as an alternative moved their operations to Iyara. The rationale behind that relocation nonetheless stands right now: Odolu Market is located in a totally residential space, and its conversion right into a cattle market poses grave environmental, well being, and safety hazards to the group.

“We should not make the expensive mistake of prioritizing short-term financial comfort over long-term security, well being, and group concord. The state of affairs in different areas resembling Jos has proven us what can occur when land is carelessly ceded and safety considerations are ignored. Indigenous folks lose not simply land, however peace, id, and safety.

“Moreover, you will need to observe that over 100 lock-up retailers within the Odolu Market have already been absolutely paid for by common merchants. How can we realistically anticipate peaceable and productive coexistence between these common merchants and cattle sellers throughout the identical constrained house? The potential for battle, contamination, and logistical chaos is simply too nice to disregard.

We’re not against lawful commerce or peaceable commerce. Nonetheless, the reopening of the Odolu Market as a cattle market is just unacceptable.

“One of the best and most rational plan of action is for the federal government to reopen the Iyara cattle market, and to implement sturdy regulatory and safety frameworks that can make it practical and protected—not only for the merchants, however for the encircling communities as effectively. Allow us to defend our land, shield our folks, and protect our peace. Allow us to act now—earlier than it’s too late”.