The government last week announced an indefinite suspension of trading at weekly markets, including the popular Kawo market in the state capital.

The state Commissioner for Internal security, Samuel Aruwan, announced the measure through a statement.

“The Kawo weekly market which usually holds every Tuesday in Kaduna North LGA has been suspended with immediate effect”.

Kawo market is one of the largest weekly markets in Kaduna North.

It is located in the same area as the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), the Hassan Usman Katsina House popularly known as State House, and the Legislative Quarters.

However, thousands of traders and buyers returned to the market on Tuesday to trade as usual in resistance to the state government order.

Upon visiting the market to observe the compliance to the order, the market was filled and people were going about their business activities without concerns.

Some traders, who spoke to reporters said they were aware of the suspension of the weekly market.

“I bring yams from Zaria every Tuesday. I heard of the suspension but I knew there will be no enforcement. That is why I came today,” a trader said.

Some vegetable sellers also spoke in the same vein.

Suspension of other markets

Before the suspension of trading at the Kawo market, the state government had earlier suspended all weekly markets and selling of petrol in jerrycans in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Chikun, Igabi, and Kajuru local government areas of the state.

“The Government of Kaduna State wishes to highlight that the previous directives suspending weekly markets, and selling of petrol in jerrycans in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Chikun, Igabi, and Kajuru LGAs, as well as banning the selling of trees for timber, firewood, and charcoal and other commercial purposes in Birnin Gwari, Kachia, Kajuru, Giwa, Chikun, Igabi, and Kauru LGAs, are still in force.

“Citizens are hereby informed that all these directives will be vigorously enforced by security agencies,” Mr. Aruwan had said while announcing the measures.

Meanwhile, a resident of Gadar Gayan in the Igabi local government said that all weekly markets in the area also opened despite the ban.