Zamfara shuts 11 markets where bandits sell stolen cattle

The Zamfara State Government has again shut down 11 cattle markets in some parts of the state indefinitely.

The state Commissioner for Information, Munnir Haidara, said the closure of the markets was informed by security reports that bandits were using the markets to sell off their rustled cows.

The affected markets, according to Haidara, are Tsafe and Bilbis markets in the Tsafe Local Government Area; Jangebe market in the Talata-Mafara Local Government Area and Wuya market in the Anka LGA.

Others are Magamin Diddi market in the Maradun LGA; Galadi market in the Shinkafi LGA;  Mada market in the Gusau LGA; and Sabon Birnin Danali in Birnin Magaji LGA.

The rest are Kokiya, Chigama and Nasarawar Godel markets all in Birnin Magaji LGA.

The commissioner said, “The state government finds it absolutely necessary to close down these markets due to security reports that the bandits are patronising these markets to sell off their rustled cows.”

He said that the state government had directed security agents to ensure compliance and arrest any person who violated the order.

“Security personnel have since been directed to arrest any person found in these affected markets,” he added.

Haidara called on the people of the state to abide by the order and cooperate with the state government in its efforts to rid the state of banditry