By Ngwuoke Ngwuoke
The Enugu State Government has reacted to Wednesday’s protest by traders in Ogbete Market against the sealing of their shops during which one person was reported killed by anti-riot policemen.
In a statement in Enugu, Professor Chidiebere Onyia,
Secretary to the State Government, said the government had commenced investigations into circumstances that led to the incident which he described as ugly.
Onyia called on the people to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses.
Read on:
“The Enugu State Government received with grave concern the ugly incident at Ogbete Main Market, Enugu, today.
“Information available to Government shows 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 and resorted to self-help by removing the seals. This 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.
“Attempts by security operatives to restore order and prevent further looting was violently resisted by the imported and armed hoodlums. Government is receiving further briefings on the development.
“In the meantime, investigation to unravel the circumstance 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.
SIGNED
Professor Chidiebere Onyia
Secretary to the State Government
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
