PANDEMONIUM As Police, Army, Other Security Agents Go On Rampage, Sets Market On Fire (DETAILS)
There was pandemonium in the Anumorigba Market area of Second Gate in Tincan Port, Apapa, which left so many traders traumatized after task force involving soldiers, policemen and other security agents, went on rampage and set the market ablaze.
It was gathered that during the operation, the security forces, who invaded the market around 9am, stopped all operations as the vandalized and burnt chairs, tables and makeshift shops used by traders to sell their goods in the market.
There had been unrest in the area following the struggle for money from cargoes between the factional members of Maritime Union Workers of Nigeria, led by Kunle and Tao.
A source in the market told our correspondent that, the task force had informed them that they were acting on the directives from the Federal Government to clear hoodlums causing problems around the port.
The source said, ” Traders in the Anumorigba Market have stopped operation because of the crisis at the Second Gate area of the Tincan port. Today, the joint task force got to the market around 9am, chased some of the traders that were around, started gathering all the tables and chairs belonging to them and burnt everything.
” Everything has been burnt in the market despite the traders’ non- involvement in the fight. The joint operation was carried out by policemen from the Nigeria Port Authority and soldiers.
” We heard that the operation would happen and started making moves, but some traders were unlucky as their goods were burnt. “
A verbal confrontation ensued between the security forces and some maritime union workers during the confrontation.
The source said, ” We attempted to engage them, but some of the people who led the operation said they did not have anything to discuss with us. But when some of the boys challenged them, they started shooting to scare people away.
” They took advantage of the ongoing clashes between the union members to invade the market, and claimed that they were clearing areas where hoodlums were using as hideouts. But the market does not harbour criminals. “
Collins Dibie, the Police Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Port Authority Command, Lagos, when contacted, said the operation was an initiative of the NPA in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, adding that traders were informed about it, two weeks ago.
He said, ” It was meant to clear port access roads of all forms of illegal structures and shanties which now serve as criminal hideouts. No police officer was involved in the burning or destruction of any property. “
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