One person is killed as Enugu traders protest business closures due to a sit-at-home prohibition.
Traders in Enugu held a protest on Wednesday against the state government’s closure of their shops due to noncompliance with the sit-at-home prohibition.
According to Channels TV, the incident resulted in the death of an unidentified person.
According to a statement published by Chidiebere Onyia, secretary to the state government (SSG), the protest was apparently infiltrated by hoodlums, prompting security agencies to intervene.
The authorities urged calm, saying that inquiries into what caused the tragedy, including the casualty report, are ongoing.
“The Enugu state government received with grave concern the ugly incident at Ogbete main market, Enugu, today,” according to the statement.
“According to information available to the government, traders whose shops were sealed for noncompliance with the Government’s order prohibiting Monday sit-at-home defied the instruction on how the shops should be reopened and resorted to self-help by removing the seals.” This resulted in squabbles between market leaders and some of the affected dealers.
“The ensuing clash sparked a protest, which was infiltrated and hijacked by dangerously armed hoodlums and miscreants who broke into shops and looted traders’ wares.”
“Attempts by security personnel to restore order and prevent further looting were met with violent resistance by the imported and armed hoodlums.” The government is getting more information on the situation.
“In the meantime, an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including reports of casualties, is already under way.”
“The government urges Enugu residents to remain calm and carry on with their lawful businesses, as adequate security measures are in place to protect lives and property in the state.”
According to TheCable, the Enugu government closed two banks and 107 stores on Monday for reportedly observing “illegal sit-at-home order” in markets across the state.
Officials from the state government and the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) participated in the exercise.
