Kwara Leaders Demand Cattle Market Closure Over Insecurity

Community leaders across Kwara South Senatorial District have renewed calls for the temporary closure of cattle markets as a measure to address the increasing wave of insecurity, including kidnappings and killings. Abdulraooph Bello, a community leader from Ifelodun Local Government Area, emphasized that the closure would disrupt the logistical chain sustaining criminal networks.

This demand comes amid worsening insecurity that has forced traditional rulers to abandon their domains and disrupted local economies. The push for closure echoes a controversial decision made in September 2025 by local government chairmen to shut down cattle markets, which was reversed just three days later due to pressure from stakeholders.

Janet Adebisi, a retired civil servant, linked market activities to insecurity, while Bayo Fabiyi of the Oodua Peoples Congress criticized the political processes surrounding traditional leadership, suggesting they indirectly enable criminal networks. The community leaders argue that without strict regulations and security presence, the markets become safe havens for criminals.