Dipo Awojobi – After the ethnic clash at the popular Mile 12 market on Thursday in which lives were reportedly lost, activities disrupted and properties worth millions destroyed, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has ordered the temporary closure of the market.
He also ordered temporary restriction of movements within the following streets, adjourning the market which include Oniyanri Street, Meidan Street, Agiliti 1 and Agiliti 2, urging traders, community leaders and other stakeholders to eschew violence, be calm and law abiding.
Governor Ambode gave the order while addressing newsmen at the Lagos House in company of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseeni and the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Steve Ayorinde, warning that his government would deal decisively with those criminal elements who cause ethnic strife as it had responsibility to protect lives and properties of Lagosians.
Meanwhile, Owoseeni, disclosed that a substantial number of criminals had been arrested in connections with the clash, saying the closure of market and restriction of movements in the areas listed by the governor would remain as long as the situation demanded.
“We have made a substantial number of arrests, we are still counting,” Owoseeni said, even as he insisted that he did not witness any killing or saw the market burning when he visited the scene.
Ambode, who recalled that there was some disagreement in the market on Wednesday but the situation was brought under control, said, “Today, I have just been informed that some miscreants and criminal elements have exploited that dispute to cause a breakdown of law and order within the area.
