Ladipo traders protest colleague’s death

Ladipo market

LADIPO auto parts dealers trooped out yesterday to protest the death of a colleague, Anene Utazi, in last Thursday’s clash at Odo Aladura Market known as Bakassi market.

Carrying placards with inscriptions, the traders marched to the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway causing traffic gridlock.

They accused a security guard at Matori Cemetary of leading some hoodlums to attack them last week.

Vendors’ food and drinks were snatched by hoodlums, who hijacked the protest.

A trader, Uche, said: “We knew him to be a cemetery attendant before he went into market business. He is very diabolical and that is why they once suspected him for tampering with parts of dead bodies. When he started business in the market, he sold every space he laid his hands on. He forcefully collected money from container owners offloading. I pray he is apprehended.”

Another trader, Ikechukwu, said he appreciated the steps the traders took because the guard has been bragging that police cannot arrest him.

A trader, Christopher, said the guard and his gang were lucky not to have been caught by the traders.

Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni, who was at the market yesterday, pleaded with the traders to be peaceful.

Vice president Ladipo Central Executive Committee (LACEC), Mr. Jude Nwankwo, said the guard had been terrorising the market for over five years.

He said:”They drove traders out of their shops and when they asked what the problem was, nobody said anything.

We are appealing to the governor and the Commissioner of Police to investigate the matter because we can’t continue to trade in fear.”