Gov. Otti Reaffirms Resolve To Rid Lokpanta Cattle Market Of Crime, Commends Traders’ Cooperation.

Gov. Otti reaffirms resolve to rid Lokpanta Cattle Market of crime and praises traders’ cooperation.

Governor Otti stated that his administration is ready to protect and support legitimate market traders, but emphasised that the government will no longer allow anyone to live within the market.

According to Kazie Uko, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Otti spoke on Sunday during an unscheduled visit to the Lokpanta Cattle Market on the Enugu-Umuahia-Aba-Port Harcourt Motorway while returning to Abia from Enugu State on a private visit.

Governor Otti had stopped by the market to inspect an ongoing perimeter fencing project aimed at securing the market, which had previously served as a haven for perpetrators of violent crimes, including kidnappers, before being dislodged by Operation Crush, Abia State’s multi-agency security taskforce.

He lamented the market’s unsanitary conditions and warned the traders about the importance of cleaning up their surroundings.

“I was just passing by and decided to stop and look at the level of work that is going on here, and I am pleased to see that it is moving along quickly. I am also pleased that you are working with the S.A. (Special Adviser on Security to the Governor) and the Ministry of Lands and Housing to secure this location.

“When I stopped around the abattoir, I discovered that it was filthy and smelled bad. So we have to make sure it is clean because it is what people eat. If they become contaminated, people will become ill, and you do not want to sell your cattle or meat if someone consumes it and becomes ill. So you are responsible for keeping the abattoir and your surroundings clean.

“The next thing I would like to discuss is the issue of residence here. I am sure you are aware that the residents will leave, and this location will become a marketplace. So the government is making plans to determine where you will live.

“So, the government will protect anyone who is running a legitimate business. What we do not want are criminals. You must apprehend all criminals because one day they may attack you. Criminals do not inquire about your ethnicity, religion, or language.

“We must clear this area of crime and criminality. We will help legitimate people who have things to do run their businesses. So, that is why I came here to look at the environment and the level of work that has been done, and I am impressed that things are going well,” Governor Otti told the crowd of traders who milled around him, showering him with praise.

He thanked the traders and their leaders for their cooperation and support in ensuring that the State Government’s policy of securing the market and making it non-residential was implemented.

“You have supported this government, which makes us very happy. As I previously stated, we are all brothers and sisters, so there should be no discrimination. Do you understand what I am saying? Some of you were born here. This is where your parents were born. This man (identified as Senator) approached me and began speaking Igbo.

“So, once again, thank you for coming out to greet me, and I assure you that this government will protect you because it is your government. “You should do everything possible to ensure that there is peace in this place,” said Governor Otti, who had drawn his audience’s attention with the popular Muslim greeting, Salam alaykum (peace be upon you).

One of the leaders, Alhaji Danladi, Chairman of Slaughter (Cattle Market), thanked the Governor for his visit and expressed satisfaction that the government was concerned about the welfare and well-being of cattle traders.