Lagos Shuts Down Popular Mile 12 Market After Civil Unrest
SAN FRANCISCO, March 03, (THEWILL) – The Lagos state government, led by Akinwunmi Ambode, has ordered the temporary closure of the popular Mile 12 Market in the state, following an unrest within the communities in Ketu-Mile 12 area of the state that has resulted in injury and alleged loss of life to an unspecified number of people.
The unrest, which occurred on Thursday , was a clash between motorcycle riders who are said to be members of the Hausa community and the local residents over allegations that a motorcycle rider moving against traffic knocked down a resident and then turned down all entreaties to take his victim to the hospital.
In his response to the mayhem, which affected residents, transporters, schools and burning of houses in the Mile 12 area, the government announced the closure of the market and restriction of movement in four streets in the area.
“In order to further restore calm, I have ordered that Mile 12 Market be temporarily closed and urged traders, community leaders and other stakeholders to eschew violence; be calm and law-abiding. Furthermore, I have ordered temporary restriction of movement in four streets, namely Oniyanrin, Maidan, Agiliti 1 and 2,” he said.
“In order to further restore peace to the community, I have ordered that the Mile 12 Market be temporarily shut. I advise traders and other stakeholders to eschew violence and be law abiding.”
“Today, I have just been informed that some miscreants and criminal elements have exploited that dispute to cause a breakdown of law and order within the area. These types of clashes do occur from time to time in a multi-ethnic city like Lagos and the government has responded appropriately.”
“After the intervention of security agencies, the dispute appeared to have subsided. This type of clash does occur from time to time in a multi-ethnic city like Lagos. And the government has always responded appropriately.”
“The public is thereby assured that we will not shy away from our responsibilities to protect life and property in the state. We will deal decisively with those criminal elements involve in the clash. I have been assured by the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies at the scene that the situation has been brought under control.
“I want to assure residents of Lagos State that the state is home to every ethnic group. No one should give this clash any ethnic colouration. Every law abiding citizens should go about their businesses.”
“The public is hereby assured that we will not shy away from our responsibilities to protect lives and property and we will deal decisively with those criminal elements who fan the embers of ethnic strife.”
Also speaking, Fatai Owoseni, the State Commissioner of police, said the police had brought the situation under control. He denied reports that two persons were killed during the clash.
“I was there personally; there was no record of death. There was no fire in the market, and as I speak to you, over 50 persons have been arrested,” he said.
“But within agility community, houses were burnt by miscreants. The restriction is starting right away and it will be so until the situation normalizes completely.”
Story by David Oputah