Auchi Monarch shuts Hausa Market over rising kidnappings

By Jethro Ibileke

The paramount ruler of Auchi Kingdom, Haliru Momoh, has ordered the immediate closure of the Hausa Market in Idanilace Village following persistent kidnappings and other criminal activities in the area.

The market, located at Igbira Camp, has in recent months been identified as one of the hotspots for abductions in Auchi and surrounding communities.

The directive was announced in a statement issued by the Chairman of the Palace Press Unit, Kadiri Jeremiah Enaholo, and posted on the Auchi Blog and Service Facebook page.

According to Enaholo, the decision was reached at a security meeting convened at the Auchi Royal Palace, attended by members of the Otaru-in-Council and the Divisional Police Officer of the Auchi Police Division.

He said the move is aimed at restoring peace, strengthening vigilance, and safeguarding residents amid escalating security concerns.

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

As part of a six-point resolution adopted at the meeting, the palace strongly discouraged the payment of ransom to kidnappers, noting that such payments fuel criminal enterprise and undermine long-term community safety.

The Auchi Vigilante Group has been mandated to enforce compliance with the market closure and other security measures agreed at the meeting.

Residents across Auchi were also directed to reside only in recognised residential apartments, with individuals found loitering or without proper accommodation advised to comply or vacate the community.

In addition, able-bodied youths were encouraged to join the local vigilante group to bolster the town’s security framework.

The palace further advised residents, particularly those living on the outskirts of Auchi, to remain indoors by 6:00 p.m. daily and avoid bush paths and isolated areas after that time until further notice.

The latest measures come amid growing anxiety over insecurity in parts of Edo North, with community leaders seeking stricter local interventions to curb abductions and restore public confidence.