The Executive Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Hon (Barr.) Zacchaeus Dare Michael, on Saturday, ordered the immediate closure of Kabba Old Zango Market in Odolu, citing security concerns in the area.
This decision comes on the heels of a disturbing trend of banditry and criminal activities around our communities in Kabba/Bunu LGA, which has been linked to be a hideout for displaced foreigners in Ijumu LGA and other villages in Bunu district.
According to a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Omofa John, the government has also warned landlords and traditional rulers not to receive any migrants whose identity is not known to their houses.
The chairman warned that any village head that gives land to strangers will not only be dethroned but will be prosecuted and send to jail for aiding and abbeting criminality.
Zacchaeus also added that any landlord who accommodate strangers in their house without the approval from the government will be arrested, prosecuted and send to jail for abbeting terrorism.
He explained that “intelligence reports indicate that criminal elements have been using the market as a hideout, often in collaboration with the evil doers in our forest to perpetrate their kidnapping activities in our communities.”
Zacchaeus emphasized that this situation poses a significant security threat to the Kabba/Bunu LGA and the broader Kabba community.
The government has given market operators a two-days grace period to comply with the directives. After this period, enforcement will be fully implemented.
The Local Government has reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding their lives and property, promising to take proactive measures to eradicate criminal activities and maintain law and order in the local government area.
The government has also expressed gratitude to citizens for their vigilance and active participation in the community-driven security framework.
“Your efforts in providing timely intelligence and activating grassroots security networks are invaluable to the success of our collective mission to keep Kabba/Bunu LGA safe,” the chairman added.
Conclusively, the chairman said any residents that wishfully violate the policy of disclosing his or her properties for sale and seek approval with all the necessary identity of the buyers, if caught, such individual will be arrested, prosecuted and send to prison for aiding and abating terrorism and criminality.
Signed
Omofa John
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Kabba/Bunu LGA
March 15, 2025.
