Wuse Traders Confronts AEPB Officers

ABUJA: It was a charged atmosphere 5:30pm yesterday at the ever-bustling Wuse area of Abuja when traders hurled sticks and stones at agents of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB).

Passers-by ran helter-skelter while car owners put to test their maneuvering skills as anxiety sparked towards the end of the day right in front of the popular Wuse martket beside Zenith bank.

The officers in a convoy of about five Toyota Hiace buses which had two or three soldiers in each had gone there apparently to arrest traders who displayed wares on both flank of the road just outside the main market, an offence that breaches environmental and traffic laws.

The team were met with stiff resistance by the defiant traders as they try to make the seizures and sensing trouble had to make a quick retreat. It was to them obvious the raid would be an herculean task as the traders in hundreds were battle ready to take on their unwanted guests.

The area notorious for such occurence is mostly busy as commuters easily get transport to many destinations from there. This coupled with activities of the sellers makes the spot and adjoining roads hell for its users.

AEPB is the Regulatory Body statutorily charged with the responsibility of protecting and managing the Federal Capital Territory environment. It was stablished by AEPB Act No. 10 of 1997.

'Wale Odunsi
Freelance writer/publicist