BY CHUWANG DUNGS
The Taraba State government has shut down two major markets in Takum Local Government Council, following the gruesome murder of a traditional ruler and his son.
The Council Chairman, John Ali, made this known on Thursday morning via a telephone call with DAYLIGHTREPORTERS.
He said that the markers which are located in Chanchanji and Kufai Ahmadu, were sealed off due to “tension over the killing of the Gara Chanchanji and his son”
DAYLIGHTREPORTERS earlier reported that the third class monarch and his son were ambushed and killed by unidentified gunmen last Friday while returning to Chanchanji town from a burial event in Takum.
Mr Ali, said the closure of the markets was based on the advice of security agencies to calm tension in the communities.
The action, according to him, is aimed at avoiding potential unrest on market days.
“The advice to close down the market came from the security agencies, so I have to abide by the directives strictly,” Ali said.
He added that “the paramount ruler did not die a natural death, so allowing the markets to continue to operate is very risky.”
He said the closure is temporary as the government is making efforts to calm the tension and restore peace in the community.
He urged the people to be law abiding, warning that anyone found wanting will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
Sources told DAYLIGHTREPORTERS that at the moment there is tension in Chanchanji and neighbouring communities and it is not safe for night movement and social gatherings.
They commended the decision of the government in shutting the markets, saying it will prevent the escalation of violence in the area.
However, they appealed to the government and security agencies not to take too long to reopen the markets, considering the economic hardship.
The state Acting Police Public Relations Officer, Gambo Kwache, confirmed to our correspondent that the markets were closed based on information from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the council.
