Ogbete Trader’s Protest: Enugu Govt urges for calm

The Enugu State Government says it has began investigation to unravel the ugly incident that erupted at the Ogbete Market during a protest by some traders in the market on Wednesday over the sealing of their shops.

The Secretary to Enugu State Government, (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere made the disclosure in a statement issued on Wednesday in Enugu.

According to Onyia, the government received with grave concern the ugly incident at Ogbete Main Market, Enugu.

He said that information available to government showed that traders whose shops were sealed for non-compliance with government’s order banning Monday sit-at-home, defied the instruction on how the shops should be re-opened.

The SSG said, rather the traders resorted to self-help by removing the seals which led to internal squabbles between the market leadership and some of the affected traders.

“The ensuing confrontation resulted in a protest, which was infiltrated and hijacked by dangerously armed hoodlums and miscreants, who broke shops and looted traders’ wares.

“Attempt by security operatives to restore order and prevent further looting was violently resisted by the imported and armed hoodlums,” Onyia said.

He also said that government would be receiving further briefings on the development.

“In the meantime, investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the reports of casualty, is already ongoing.

“Government calls on the people and residents of Enugu to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses, as adequate security measures are in place to secure lives and property in the state.

(NAN)