Law makers of Enugu State House of Assembly on Tuesday ordered for the immediate closure of New Artisan Market located along Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway.

The lawmakers hinged their reason on the alleged clubbing of a police officer within the premises of the market on December 17 by yet-to-be identified hoodlums. They also took the decision to close down the market based on reports of increasing rate of sexual irresponsibility, under-aged prostitution and criminality obtained in the market.

The Chairman, House Committee on Works, Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Sunday Udeokoye, who visited the market with his committee members, stressed that the market was originally designed as a cattle market but has become a haven for prostitution, distribution and smoking of Indian hemp and other criminal acts. He said the state government will not allow such lawlessness to continue in the area because it is close to the Government House.

The law maker tasked the law enforcement agents to ensure that they bring the culprits to book without delay.

The House Committee Chairman on Environment and the member representing Enugu South Urban, Mr Obinna Okenwa, said that the environmental situation at the market is totally unacceptable.

He explained that the leadership of the market ought to work out an arrangement with the Enugu State Waste Management Agency to ensure proper waste disposal and general cleanliness of the market. (The AUTHORITY)

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