A long-running dispute between the Perishable Traders Association and the Hausa Perishable Traders Association in Kogi State has officially ended, following a reconciliation agreement concluded on Wednesday, 24th June 2026, at the Lokoja International Market.
The agreement was announced by Comrade Adams Babangida J. Da’audu, Chief Consultant of the Lokoja International Market, who described the outcome as historic and the product of hours of dialogue between both parties.
“Both sides expressed genuine happiness, resolved all misunderstandings, and made a firm commitment to uphold peace, unity, and brotherhood in the Lokoja International Market and across Kogi State,” Da’audu said in a statement issued by his office. “From today forward, the spirit of cooperation, respect, and shared prosperity shall guide all trading activities.”
The peace process was led by the Office of the Chief Consultant in collaboration with the Market Traders Union and other Lokoja stakeholders. Organisers said both associations entered the talks willing to set aside past grievances, ultimately embracing one another after reaching mutual understanding on the way forward for trading activities in the market.
Da’audu credited the breakthrough to the support of several dignitaries, including: Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, the Director General of the Kogi State Public-Private Partnership and Investment Agency (KOSEPA), HRH Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, the Maigari of Lokoja; and three distinguished members of Lokoja Matters — Comrade Umar Yakubu Ali, Comrade Dan Maiyaki, and Comrade Abubakar Datti.
In his closing remarks, Da’audu offered prayers for the continued peace and progress of the market and the state, asking for wisdom and good health for Governor Ododo, protection for government officials and security agencies, and long life for the Maigari of Lokoja. He also prayed that mistrust between traders be replaced with fairness and mutual benefit going forward.
“Let this day, 24th June 2026, be remembered as the day we chose unity over division, and peace over conflict,” Da’audu said. “Together, we will build a stronger market and a greater Kogi.”
The reconciliation is expected to restore normal trading relations between the two associations, which together represent a significant share of perishable goods commerce at the Lokoja International Market, one of Kogi State’s key commercial hubs.
