Posted by By Femi Ogbonnikan,Reporter, Lagos on
Ladipo market was shut indefinitely on Tuesday by the Lagos State Government over Monday's violent clash between factions of traders....
Ladipo market was shut indefinitely on Tuesday by the Lagos State Government over Monday's violent clash between factions of traders.
Environment Commissioner, Tunji Bello, announced the closure hinging the decision on the continuous degradation of the environment and the inability of the traders to peacefully coexist.
He spoke just as police said they have arrested 22 people in connection with the bloody confrontation.
He decried the environmental degradation at the market, especially along the canal while flaying the persistent unrest and civil disobedience in the market.
"The market is notorious for intimidation, harassment and molestation of the innocent people that patronize the market", Bello said.
He explained that the Governor Bola Tinubu-led administration was left with no option than to take such drastic action to protect residents along Oke-Afa, Isolo, Ajao Estate and Ejigbo areas of the state.
Residents along the canal, according to the commissioner, are at the receiving end of the environmental pollution arising from the unsanitary conditions of Ladipo market. He said the closure would prevent the possible out break of epidemic.
At least 11 persons were wounded in the fracas.
According to the Lagos State Police Command spokesman, Olubode Ojajuni, the clash was over an attempt by the management of Aguiyi Ironsi Shopping Complex, Ladipo market to unseat the present Task Force executives.
During the bloody confrontation, a number of traders were attacked while their wares were destroyed.
The police image-maker stated that the swift response of the Commander, Area ‘D' Headquarters, who mobilised patrol teams within his area in collaboration with operatives of the Federal Highway Patrol and MOPOL 20/22, Ikeja led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, in charge of Operations, Paul Okafor, doused the tension.
But before police intervention, 11 traders sustained gunshot and machete cut wounds and were rushed to a nearby hospital.
Similarly, 22 suspects were arrested and undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos.
An informed police source said there was a renewed hostility late in the evening and was quickly brought under control.
Meanwhile, the state Police Commissioner, Emmanuel Adebayo, visited the market on Tuesday and later held a peace meeting with the stakeholders at the State Command Headquarters, Adekunle Fajuyi Road, G.R.A, Ikeja.