(By Desire Emmanuel): Some cattle markets in Bauchi State have been discovered to be avenues and hideouts used for bandits financing as well as arms and ammunition trading.
To this end, the state governor, Bala Mohammed, has ordered the closure of 24 cattle markets in four local government areas of the state following a rise in cases of banditry in the state.
The four local governments are Alkaleri, Bauchi, Kirfi and Tafawa Balewa after intelligence reports found the markets to be engaged in the illegal activities.
A competent source close to the state government told Impact Nigeria News Online that intelligence reports linked the markets to sale of stolen livestock, Illegal arms and ammunition trading, ransom negotiations as well as extortion and illicit taxation by armed groups.
The state government added that security forces have been directed to enforce full compliance, while traditional leaders have been tasked with preventing underground trading in those markets as anyone violating the order will face severe consequences.
The move comes amid increased movement of armed groups fleeing military operations in neighboring states into Bauchi State and the increase in cases of banditry in recent times.
It will be recalled that on February 15, an attack occurred in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State when armed bandits attacked Belen Lafiya community in Pali District, killing one person and abducting several others.
The Northern part of the country, especially the North-West and recently the North-East, has been under the firm grips of bandits and terrorists who launch mayhem on residents of various communities, killing some and abducting others while also setting homes ablaze.
In some instances, some of the communities engaged in ‘peace deals’ with the bandits in order to ensure peace in their areas, but many of these peace deals are immediately violated by the marauders. Some of the bandits also impose levies on communities in order to allow them enjoy relative peace.
