Armed anti-riot policemen from the Lagos State Police Command headquarters, Ikeja have beefed up security around the popular Ladipo spare parts market in Mushin, Lagos as the local government authority commenced the demolition of some structures in the market yesterday.
Officials of the Mushin local government closed the main gate of the market on Tuesday morning and prevented shop owners and traders from gaining access. The officials claimed that government wanted to rebuild the market.
The action of the local government generated tension around Mushin and its environs throughout Tuesday and yesterday. Policemen were seen guarding those doing the demolition in order to forestall breakdown of law and order in the area.
The anti-riot police were drafted to the place at the instance of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti. Soldiers from OP MESA also kept vigil at the entrances leading into the market. Traders had converged at the main gate when they heard the news of the commencement of the demolition. But in a swift reaction, the Lagos State Police boss drafted additional policemen to complement those already on ground.
The traders alleged that they were prevented from entering the market to remove their goods from the shops. The Public Relations Officer of the market, Kanayo Okonkwo, said “there was no prior notice of the closure/demolition of the market to prepare the traders beforehand. They didn’t tell us anything.” As at press time, roofs of a section of the market had been pulled down, to make way for the full reconstruction work.
