LIVESTOCK AND MEAT MARKETS CLOSED IN ENUGU FOR SECURITY SENSITIZATION

Livestock, meat and perishable commodities markets in Enugu state did not open for business on Wednesday following directives from the Enugu State Government and the Miyetti Alla Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria.
According to information made available to Radio Nigeria, the move which will continue on Thursday is aimed at sensitizing members of the Association and Hausa Community in the State to the need for security and peaceful co-existence in the country.
The Miyetti Alla Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria also known as MACBAN, last week issued a notice that livestock, meat and perishable commodities markets in the State would be shut down for two days.

It was not a surprise that most dealers in the commodities were not on their duty post in compliance with the directive.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria, the Chairman, New Artisan Livestock Market, Alhaji Dauladi Abubakar, explained that the closure was to enable Leaders of the Association to have an inter-face with the members, for a more robust security in the nation.
Also, in an interview, the President Enugu State Amalgamated Traders Association, Chief Temple Udeh, observed that Butchers and Perishable Commodities Dealers complied with the directive to buttress the importance of peaceful co-existence and adequate security in the society.

However, a visit to some markets across Enugu Metropolis showed partial compliance to this directive.

For instance, at the New Artisan, New Garki, Ogbete and Abakpa Markets, the abattoirs and meat tables were virtually empty, showing total compliance.

At Mammy Market, Abakpa, many customers were seen wearing dejected faces due to disappointment.

Meanwhile, at Old Orie Emene Market, Butchers were seen sharing beef for sale to customers. Though they did not grant formal interview to Radio Nigeria, some of them were heard saying that they did not comply with the directive because the market no longer existed.

Also, at Kenyatta Market, Uwani Enugu, while beef sellers complied with the directive, goat meat sellers were seen making brisk business.

In the meantime, at the New Artisan Market, a livestock dealer, Alhaji Detti Kasagwom, whose livestock were brought in the morning but could not be off loaded due to the directive, said he would always support any arrangement that promoted security in the country.

He however, appealed for adequate dissemination of information to help people plan ahead.

CHINWE UGWUANYI

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