The government of Enugu State has reacted to the unfortunate incident that happened at Ogbete main market earlier today.
Professor Chidiebere Onyia, secretary to the State government in a statement said that available information shows that trouble erupted between some traders and the market leadership after they defaulted the ban on sit-at-home in the state.
He said some 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.
Onyia in the statement added that the face-off resulted in a protest, which was unfortunately hijacked by dangerously armed elements and miscreants, who broke shops and looted traders’ wares.
He however, said the state government has commenced investigation to unravel the circumstance surrounding the incident, including the reports of casualty.
The statement reads, “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.
“Attempt 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.”
