Enugu State Government has expressed concern over the protest and casualty recorded at Ogbete market Wednesday morning, appealing to residents of the state to be calm, go about their lawful businesses, as adequate security to protect lives and property has been put in place
This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, July 26, 2023
The statement read in full:
“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”, Onyia said..
Author: Maureen Ikpeama