Zamfara state government has ordered the closure of 12 cattle markets across the state to tame the sale of stolen animals that is booming in some of the rural communities.
The cattle markets are Dansadau, Yar tasha and Dangulbi in Maru local government areas.
Others are Magami, Kunchin Kalgo, Danjibga, Dogon Kade, Bagega, Gadar Zaima in Gusau, Kaura Namoda, Anka and Bukkuyum local government areas.
The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Alhaji Bello Dankande Gamji told our reporter that the markets would remain closed till further notice.
He said the decision was taken to stem the tide of the soaring menace of cattle thefts in the state adding that whoever flouted the order would not go scot free.
Explaining further the state chairman Cattle Dealers Association, Alhaji Aminu Garba Gusau, said all the three cattle markets in Birnin Magaji local government were also affected.
He said the markets had become safe havens for rustled cows and was making the menace of cattle rustling in the state to thrive.
Gusau said government has also banned loading of animals into vehicles from 6:00pm to 7:00 am.
“We have also warned our dealers and business associates never to engage themselves in any unethical business especially aiding the menace of cattle rustling through buying or selling of such stolen animals,” he added
Meanwhile, the state government had ordered the proper identification of persons who bring cows or other animals for sale in any market.
Announcing the new measures at a stakeholders meeting in his office the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Bello Dankande Gamji, said such person must have approval of relevant authorities and must be tagged and his photographed taken with the animal he intended to sell.
Gamji said government was deeply concerned with the deteriorating security situation in the state and would not spare anyone that threatens peace in the society.
The commissioner also said that nobody would be allowed to bring in to the markets a herd of cows, camels, sheep, goats unless with the knowledge of authorities concerned.
“It is also not allowed for anybody to take custody of cows without the consent of the relevant authorities.”
He said the government would arrest and arraign commercial drivers who pretend to be dealing in firewood or water but supply essential items to criminals in their hideouts.
Gamji further said henceforth anybody caught in possession of any animal already slaughtered in the bush, would face prosecution.
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