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By Christopher Oji
Five people have been arrested in connection with Wednesday’s clash between traders and miscreants at the Alaba International Market in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State.
However, the police confirmed that one person died during the fracas. As of the time of filing this report yesterday, the market remained shut as the police were still keeping vigil.
A market leader, Mr. Chukwura, confirmed that the traders were asked to remain at home till further notice.
He said: “We are still deliberating on how to move forward. We have been in intensive meetings for hours. After the meeting, we will be able to know what to do. As I am speaking with you, the market remains closed. Yes, one person was killed and about 20 people were injured.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that one dead body was recovered from the scene of the clash. He said normalcy has returned to the area, adding that more police operatives were deployed to the place.
Traders and touts clashed on Wednesday, over alleged indiscriminate revenue collection from traders by touts and the non compliance with environmental sanitation rules and regulations by the touts around the market vicinity.
The traders, who were not comfortable with the development, tried to chase away the touts. The touts, who were not happy with the threat by traders to send them packing, invited some hoodlums with whom they engaged the traders in a fight which turned bloody.
During the fight, many people were injured, while a trader was stabbed to death by the hoodlums.
