The Enugu State Government has expressed serious concern over a distressing incident that occurred today at Ogbete Main Market, Enugu. According to a statement singned by the Secretary to the stategovernment, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the incident was triggered when traders, whose shops had been sealed for violating the government's ban on Monday sit-at-home orders, took matters into their own hands by removing the seals and reopening their shops. This action resulted in internal conflicts between the market leadership and some of the affected traders. The situation escalated into a protest that was later infiltrated and hijacked by dangerously armed hoodlums and miscreants, who engaged in looting and destruction of traders' wares. Security operatives' attempts to restore order and prevent further looting were met with violent resistance from the imported and armed hoodlums. The government is currently investigating the incident, including reports of casualties, and calls on the people and residents of Enugu to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, as adequate security measures are in place to safeguard lives and property in the State.
Statement reads;
ENUGU STATE GOVERNMENT
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUCENMENT
THE INCIDENT AT OGBETE MAIN MARKET
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.
SIGNED:
Professor Chidiebere Onyia
Secretary to the State Government
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
