The popular Ogbete main market in Enugu state went agog on Wednesday with the traders demonstrating against the Enugu State Government for sealing up some shops whose owners they accused of defying Government’s ban on sit-at-home on Monday.
However the protest turned soar when a young man identified in a video that has gone viral as ‘nwanne China’ was shot dead within the market environment.
According to an eye witness account, the aggrieved Ogbete traders were protesting over the sealing of some shops within the market environment when the police trying to disperse them shot into the air resulting in the death of the young man.
The protesters were of the opinion that they have the right to decide when and when not to do business.
“We are angry. To open shop is not by force. State Government should leave us to do our business,” the protesters shouted.
But explaining the incident at the market through a public notice announcement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia stated that the protest was triggered by disagreement between traders whose shops were sealed and the market leadership.
“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.”
Prof. Onyia further assured residents of the state to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses, as adequate security measures are in place to secure lives and property in the State even as the state government further investigate the incidence.
Recall that the Enugu State Government on Monday 24th July, 2023 sealed up over 100 shops and 2 banks within Enugu metropolis for defying her order by not opening to business on Monday.
About 78 shops and 2 banks were sealed up by the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, ECTDA, at Ogbete Main Market; other shops sealed up same day include 5 shops at SPAR and 24 shops at Old Artisan Markets.
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