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Following the violent protest that erupted in Ogbete market in the early hours of 27th July, 2023, the Enugu State Government has restated its commitment in securing the lives and property of residents of the state.
The state government also expressed shock at the turn out of events at the market which resulted in looting of shops by hoodlums and miscreants, who broke shops and looted traders' wares.
The was contained in a statement sighted by Enugupress.ng and signed by the secretary of the state government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia.
The statement however, assured that a full scale investigation has commenced to unravel the circumstances behind the traders actions.
Meanwhile, Information available to Enugupress.ng 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 full text is published below.
ENUGU STATE GOVERNMENT
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUCENMENT
THE INCIDENT AT OGBETE MAIN MARKETth of July, 2023, July, 2023,
The Enugu State Government 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.
SIGNED:
*Professor Chidiebere Onyia*
Secretary to the State Government
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
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