The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has ordered the closure of the popular Mile 12 Market and imposed curfew on four streets in the area.
The governor’s order was as a result the mayhem that engulfed the Mile 12 area on Thursday.
Members of the Hausa and Yoruba community in the area had clashed, leading to the burning of houses and churches on Thursday.
Ambode, who spoke at the State House, Ikeja, said the closure of the Mile 12 Market and the curfew would help security agents to restore peace.
He added that the curfew would only affect four streets — Oniyanrin, Maidan, Agiliti 1 and Agiliti 2.
He said, “In order to further restore peace to the community, I have ordered that the Mile 12 Market be temporarily shut. I advise traders and other stakeholders to eschew violence and be law abiding. Furthermore, I have ordered temporary restriction of movement in four streets, namely Oniyanrin, Maidan, Agiliti 1 and 2.”
The governor said the police and other security officials were managing the situation, adding that some hoodlums had exploited a minor clash to cause a breakdown of law and order in the area.
“After the intervention of security agencies, the dispute appeared to have subsided. This type of clash does occur from time to time in a multi-ethnic city like Lagos. And the government has always responded appropriately.
“The public is thereby assured that we will not shy away from our responsibilities to protect life and property in the state. Ee will deal decisively with those criminal elements involve in the clash. I have been assured by the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies at the scene that the situation has been brought under control.
“I want to assure residents of Lagos State that the state is home to every ethnic group. No one should give this clash any ethnic colouration. Every law abiding citizens should go about their businesses.”
The CP, Fatai Owoseni, said policemen had already been deployed in the area to enforce the order of the governor, adding that nobody died in the clash.
“I was there personally; there was no record of death. There was no fire in the market, and as I speak to you, over 50 persons have been arrested.
“But within agility community, houses were burnt by miscreants,” he added.
source: PUNCH
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