Traders at Alaba international market yesterday took their protest to the Area E Police command, Festac Town, Lagos, demanding an end to the ‘rampant’ abductions of traders Festac Town and its environs.
The protest, which was led by the First Vice Chairman of the market, Mr. Madueke Achonamokwu, was disrupted when the traders arrived the front gate of the Area E Police Command in FESTAC Town.
They were abruptly dispersed by gunshots and tear gas, while the group was encircled with policemen.
According to the traders, who also decried the failed attempt to kidnap the chairman of Fancy and Furniture Dealers Association (FFDA), Mr. Emeka Mozoba, at a fast-food restaurant in FESTAC Town, they claim the police have not lived up to their expectation in the area. They, however, urged the police to beef up security in FESTAC Town and Alaba areas.
“I was at a restaurant in Amuwo Odofin when I noticed three persons trailing me. I quickly rushed into the toilet and they followed me. They were knocking at the toilet door. It was from there I quickly sent text messages to the police and some members of my family.
“Policemen and the manager of the place quickly intervened and arrested two of the suspects while others took to their heels. Our demand is that the police should investigate the matter thoroughly, but what we are hearing now is that the two suspects earlier arrested have been released by the police,” Mozoba said.
According to the spokesperson of the Lagos State police command, Dolapo Badmos, “there was no attempt to kidnap Mozoba yesterday. He raised an alarm, police moved in and after arrest, we discovered they are the people that he had grudges with and they all do business together in Alaba market. Their names are Chibuzor Nwokedi, Silas Umeh and Nwabugwu Elvis. However, the case is still under investigation.”
Source: Guardian