Stakeholders in the security architecture of Kogi State have insisted that the cattle markets in Iyara, Okehi, Egbe, and Kabba will remain closed indefinitely until the security situation in those communities improves.

Retired Commander Jerry Omodara, the security adviser to Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, announced this after a meeting with the Fulani community and delegations from Iyara and Ijumu Local Government Areas, held at the State Command of the Nigerian Police.

The stakeholders consist of political officeholders from the area, including the member representing Ijumu LGA, Omotayo Ishaya; Commissioner for Special Duties, Sunday Faleke; the paramount ruler of the Ijumu Traditional Council, led by the Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni; the President of the Ijumu Development Union, Ade Fatai; and the President of the Iyara Development Association (IDA), Dr. Aliyu Badaki.

Commander Omodara noted that the security of lives and property in the state is paramount to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who will do everything within the ambit of the law to protect the citizens.

He said, “The 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 anything that prevents the people of the state from going to their farms or performing lawful businesses will be resisted.

Commander Omodara said intelligence reports have shown that the cattle market has been used to harbor criminals, which negates the purpose for which it was established in 2016.

He added that the Chairman of the Local Government, Alhaji Haruna Ibrahim, does not have the power to reopen the cattle market as the matter is beyond his jurisdiction.

The State Security Adviser noted that similar markets were closed in Okehi, Egbe, and Kabba, and a committee will be set up to assess the possibility of reopening the Iyara market if necessary.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, urged both sides to maintain peace while a lasting solution is being sought.

According to him, the command has enough officers to respond to any security threat, and anyone found causing trouble will face the full wrath of the law.

Dantawaye explained that the meeting followed complaints from the Fulani community regarding the closure of the Iyara cattle market and was aimed at preventing any impending security challenges.

The Chairman of Ijumu Local Government said he has lost confidence in the leadership of the cattle market, hence the decision to close it.

He reiterated his commitment to protecting the lives and property of the people of Ijumu, stating that he will not compromise on security matters.