Chairmen of seven local government areas in Kwara South Senatorial District have ordered the immediate closure of all Kara (cattle) markets in the zone, citing rising insecurity.
The directive, which takes effect from Friday, September 19, was contained in a joint statement issued on Thursday by the Forum of Seven Local Government Chairmen in the district.
According to the statement, the decision followed “extensive stakeholders’ engagement and security reviews” and will remain in place until further notice.
The council bosses also ordered that all other produce markets across the senatorial district must shut down by 6 p.m. on market days as part of measures to safeguard residents.
“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 read in part.
The chairmen acknowledged the economic impact of the closure on residents but stressed that protecting lives and property must take priority.
“We’ve chosen to prioritise the safety of lives and property and adhere to long-term coordinated and structured security advisement over and above short-term inconveniences,” they added.
They further assured residents that the state government and security agencies are working closely with local councils to restore peace, while urging communities to cooperate with security operatives during ongoing operations.
The directive was signed by the executive chairmen of Ifelodun, Isin, Irepodun, Ekiti, Oke-Ero, Offa, and Oyun LGAs.
Meanwhile, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has also adjusted its operations in Kwara State in response to security concerns.
The State Coordinator, Mr. Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, confirmed that the orientation camp for the 2025 Batch C Stream I programme has been relocated from Yikpata in Edu LGA to Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, following approval by the state government.
“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 said.
Kwara, like other parts of the North-Central, has faced recurring security threats, including violent attacks, prompting increased military operations and local government interventions.
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