Incessant kidnapping: Auchi monarch orders closure of market

By Jethro Ibileke 

 

The paramount ruler of Auchi kingdom, Alhaji Haliru Momoh, has ordered the closure of a market popularly known as Hausa Market, following the alleged unabated kidnappings and other criminal activities.

The market is located at Igbira Camp, in Idanilace Village in the locality.

The community which has been in the news in recent time, is one of the hotspots for kidnappings in Auchi and its environs.

The monarch in a statement posted on the Auchi Blog and Service Facebook page by the chairman of the palace press unit, Kadiri Jeremiah Enaholo.

Enaholo said the decision was taken at a meeting convened at the Auchi Royal Palace, attended by the Otaru-in-Council and the Divisional Police Officer of the Auchi Police Division.

According to him, the decision is aimed at restoring peace, strengthening vigilance, and protecting residents of Auchi and its environs.

He noted that payment of ransom for kidnapping fuels the criminal enterprise and endangers long-term community safety.

Enaholo listed the six-point resolutions taken at the meeting to include, discouragement of the payment of ransom, noting that the payment fuels criminal enterprise and endangers long-term community safety.

“The Hausa market located at Idanilace village is hereby ordered closed with immediate effect until further notice, pending a comprehensive security review.

“The Auchi Vigilante Group is mandated to ensure strict compliance with this directive and other security measures adopted at the meeting.

“All residents across Auchi are required to reside within recognised residential apartments. Individuals found loitering or refusing to secure proper accommodation are advised to comply immediately or vacate the community.

“All able-bodied youths are encouraged to join the Vigilante Group to strengthen local security architecture and promote collective responsibility in safeguarding the community.

“The meeting strongly resolved that the payment of ransom under any circumstance must be discouraged, as it fuels criminal enterprise and endangers long-term community safety.

“Residents, particularly those living on the outskirts of Auchi, are advised to be indoors not later than 6:00 p.m. daily. Additionally, all individuals are to avoid bush paths and isolated areas after 6:00 p.m. until further notice,” the statement said.