Obaseki shuts cattle markets in Edo

Godwin Obaseki, Governor of Edo State, has ordered the immediate closure of all illegal cattle markets across the state, while also appealing to landlords not to allow their property to be used as an illegal market for sales of cattle.

He also reiterated the ban on night-grazing of cattle across the state between 6pm and 6am daily.

Obaseki gave the charge in Benin City during a meeting on ways to resolve the recent clash in the region with members of Arewa community, security agencies and members of Ogheghe community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of the state.

The governor noted, “We realised that several illegal cattle markets are still in operation in the state. All illegal cattle markets in Edo State must be closed immediately.

“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.”

“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.

“The committee must be reconstituted immediately and the list of members of the committee from every local government should be submitted to me before 1st of March 2021. Meeting schedule will be made available. Monthly report of the situation from each local government must reach me.”