Enugu State Commissioner of Police CP Ahmed Ammani has ordered full-scale investigation into the incident at the Ogbete market Enugu where one trader was shot dead.
A police statement said investigation has already begun while further development, especially as it concerns reports of casualties being circulated, will be communicated as soon as possible, please.
Already the police command said normalcy has been restored at Ogbete Market Enugu and its surroundings, following the report of protest by some traders over the sealing of their shops by the State Government and their attempt to force others, whose shops were not sealed, to close theirs and the entire market closed.
Police noted that the peaceful protest was hijacked and made to become violent.
The Commissioner pleaded with traders in the market and citizens alike to remain law-abiding, peaceful and cooperative, while using approved channels to express their grievances.
Meanwhile, the Enugu State Government said it 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.”
