Following claims that the proposed Livestock Market in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area will increase insecurity, the Kogi State Ministry of Livestock Development has dismissed the report claiming that government is planning to reopen the previously banned Kara livestock market, describing the reports as false and capable of causing public panic.
In a press statement signed by the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, the Ministry clarified that the ongoing intervention in Egbe has nothing to do with the banned Kara market, but is instead part of the World Bank-supported Kogi Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, conceived since early 2024, before the recent security challenges in the area.
According to the statement, similar livestock market rehabilitation projects are ongoing in eight other locations across Kogi State’s nine federal constituencies, including Okumi (Lokoja), Ero (Ajaokuta), Ejule (Ofu), Ankpa, Kabba, Sheria (Bassa), Okene and Osa/Gada (Adavi). The Egbe project, the Ministry said, is being sited within Egbe Central Market to keep it under the full view of the host community and relevant authorities.
The Ministry disclosed that two separate stakeholders’ engagement meetings were held with Egbe community leaders before the project commenced, resulting in documented agreements. Key resolutions include that cattle trading will be completely excluded from the market, with only goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, poultry, dogs and other small and medium livestock permitted.
No permanent personal structures such as kiosks or sheds will be allowed within the premises, and the market’s administration will remain entirely in the hands of the host community through its traditional institutions and an indigene-only management committee.
The Ministry said these resolutions show the project is community-driven, built on consultation rather than unilateral government action, and urged residents to disregard misinformation that could undermine development in the area.
While acknowledging citizens’ security concerns, the statement noted that insecurity affects communities nationwide and should not be allowed to stall development, stressing that livestock markets create livelihoods for farmers, traders, transporters, butchers and veterinary workers, while boosting local commerce and revenue.
The Ministry, on behalf of the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, appealed to traditional rulers, opinion leaders, youth groups and market associations in Yagba Federal Constituency to support the project, warning that resistance based on unfounded fears could cost the community future investments.
