The police in Enugu state, south east Nigeria, has said that normalcy has been restored at Ogbete Market Enugu and its surroundings, following the report of protest by some traders over the sealing of their shops by the State Government.
In a statement issued and signed by the state police public relations officer, DSP Dan Ndukwe, it said the initial peaceful protest was hijacked and made to become violent.
“Traders in the market and citizens alike have been pleaded with to remain law-abiding, peaceful and cooperative, while using approved channels to express their grievances.
“Full-scale investigation has been initiated on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, while further development, especially as it concerns reports of casualties being circulated, will be communicated as soon as possible, please”. Ndukwe said.
Hundreds of traders at the popular market had earlier on Wednesday morning trooped out in their numbers to protest the closure of their shops by the state government for failing to open on Monday.
Eye witnesses said some protesters were injured during a shoot out.
The state government had sealed business outfits that complied with the regular Monday sit-at-home which has been banned by the state government.
Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia had in a statement on Tuesday, said that the affected shops would not be considered for re-opening until the owners produced tax clearance certificates and other relevant documents.
He said, “the Enugu State Government wishes to commend civil society organisations and residents that took ownership of government’s ban on illegal sit-at-home orders by embarking on peaceful demonstrations in the capital city yesterday. Government commends the participants for their peaceful conduct throughout the demonstrations.
“In previous announcements to the good people and residents of Enugu State, the government had directed business and shop owners to open for normal businesses on Monday and every work day, or have the defaulting business premises and shops sealed. That was exactly what the government did on Monday, July 24, 2023, to enforce its earlier directives.
“All businesses that were sealed shall remain sealed for one week, at the end of which they shall provide their current tax clearance certificates and all other relevant revenue documents to enable the state government to review and consider their formal letters for re-opening.
“Again, all considerations start from Friday, July 28, 2023 from 2.00 pm at the Enugu State Capital Development Authority (ECTDA) headquarters.”
