Obaseki orders closure of illegal cattle markets

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has ordered the immediate closure of all illegal cattle markets across the state following a clash between youths of Ogheghe and Hausa communities in Ikpoba Okha LGA recently.

He gave the order in Benin on Wednesday during a meeting with members of Arewa Community, security agencies and members of Ogheghe Community in Ikpoba Okha LGA.

He said his administration had realised that there were still illegal cattle markets operating in the state.

According to him, illegal grazing may have been responsible for the clash witnessed recently in Ogheghe Community.

“All illegal cattle markets in Edo State must be closed. Local governments are to submit all approved legal cattle markets and landlords are warned never to allow their premises to be used for sales of cattle unless such premises have been approved. If not, the affected cattle will be confiscated,” he warned.

Governor Obaseki expressed worry that the peace mechanism put in place some years ago by his administration was not working as expected and ordered that the Peace Committee be reconstituted and names of members submitted to his office before March 1, 2021.

“The Peace Committee (Arewa Community, Local governments and traditional institutions in the local government) set up two years ago are not working effectively as they should,” he said.

He however commended security agencies for their efforts in restoring peace to the area.

The Commissioner of Police, Philip Ogbadu, urged the communities to live in peace and report any strange faces in the area to the nearest police station.

The leader of the Arewa Community, Alhaji Badamasi Saleh and the Enogie of Ogheghe, HRH Ogbonmwan Michael, commended the governor for his prompt response in restoring peace in the area.