All Kara (cattle) markets in Kwara South Senatorial District have been ordered shut with immediate effect following heightened security concerns in the zone.
The decision was announced on Thursday by the Forum of Seven Local Government Chairmen in Kwara South after what they described as “extensive stakeholders’ engagement and reviews.”
The closure, effective Friday, September 19, will remain in place until further notice. In addition, all other produce markets in the district must close by 6 p.m. on market days.
In a jointly signed statement, the council leaders said the move was necessary to safeguard lives and property in the region, which has experienced several violent attacks in recent months.
“While 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.
The chairmen acknowledged the economic implications of the decision but stressed that security must remain the priority.
“We have 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.
The statement was endorsed by the executive chairmen of Ifelodun, Isin, Irepodun, Ekiti, Oke-Ero, Offa, and Oyun Local Government Areas.
The council bosses further assured residents that the state government and security agencies were working closely with local authorities to restore peace, urging communities to cooperate fully with security operatives.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has relocated its orientation camp in Kwara State from Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area, to the Kwara State Polytechnic campus in Ilorin, citing similar security concerns.
State Coordinator, Mr. Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, confirmed the relocation on Friday, noting that the decision was approved 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,” he said.
The orientation course for the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members is scheduled to begin nationwide on Wednesday, September 24.
