Kaduna — The spate of violence and insecurity in Kaduna State is affecting turnout at the ongoing Kaduna International Trade Fair which kicked-off on Saturday.

The usual fanfare and large turnout of guests was missing when Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa declared the fair open at the weekend.

Daily Trust reporter observed that most of the stalls in the fair complex were empty and no make shift shops were being constructed as it used to be.

Potential investors and traders who usually patronize the fair are afraid of coming because of the security situation, Daily Trust learnt.

The annual event was postponed from February to April due to serial bombing incidents in the state, but Governor Yakowa had assured that security was on top of the situation to make the fair a success.

A sizeable portion of the fair ground slated for investors and petty traders are yet to be occupied which was a big contrast to the previous ones.

Declaring the fair open on Saturday, Yakowa said: "I want to apologize to exhibitors for the postponement of the fair in February, but it was for our good. Security agencies have taken necessary measure to make the fair a success. Kaduna State is safe."

Yakowa also called on Nigerians, particularly Northerners to discourage over dependence on oil and go into full scale farming and mining for the development of the country.