Youths in Iyara community, the headquarters of Ijumu Local Government Area in Kogi State, have staged a peaceful protest demanding the continued closure of the controversial Zango Cattle Market.
The protest, organized by the Iyara Progressives Youth Association (IYPA), was in reaction to the perceived gradual resumption of trading activities at the market despite an earlier directive by the Executive Chairman of Ijumu LGA, Hon. Ibrahim Haruna, that the market remain closed.
Led by IYPA President, Mr. Sam Adedotun, the protesters marched to the Local Government Secretariat, where they submitted a letter expressing their strong opposition to any attempt to reopen the market without broad-based community consultation.
Reading from the protest letter, Adedotun commended the Chairman for his “bold and uncommon leadership” in previously shutting down the market, which he said had become a breeding ground for criminal activities.
“We firmly say our community’s peace and security is sacrosanct and non-negotiable. We cannot accommodate or live with undue criminal elements in our ancestral land,” the letter read.
The IYPA cited incidents of kidnapping, banditry, rape, killings of farmers, and destruction of farmlands allegedly linked to activities around the Zango Market before its closure. The group insists that reopening the market would be a direct threat to the safety and well-being of the people of Iyara.
“Every well-meaning Iyara son and daughter stands firm to say NO to the reopening of Zango Market. We value our peace and the future of our unborn generations,” the letter stated.
The protest concluded peacefully, with the youth group reiterating their commitment to maintaining law and order while safeguarding the heritage and security of their community.
Authorities have not issued an official response to the protest as of press time.
