Kwara shuts major market in Ilorin as hoodlums clash with security operatives
![AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/Kwara-state-governor-AbdulRahman-AbdulRazaq.png)
The Kwara State government has ordered the immediate shut down of Mandate Market in Ilorin following Saturday’s skirmishes in the major trading centre.
Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Ibrahim Akaje, stated in Ilorin on Saturday that the market would be re-opened on Monday.
“Government has restored normalcy to the market after the initial tension and opportunist attacks by hoodlums on peoples’ properties.
“Government hereby directs temporary closure of the market for security reasons pending resolution of some issues that triggered the disturbances.
“Government commends the prompt response of security agencies to distress calls from shop owners. We warn against further trouble from any quarters.
“The market and activities of everyone involved therein are regulated by laws, which must be respected by all,’’ he stated.
Scores of people were injured in the skirmishes as law enforcement agents and suspected shop breakers clashed at the market on Saturday.
Some shop owners had complained to security agencies that petty traders, guards, cleaners or load carriers who resided in the market always broke into the shops in the night.
Police operatives consequently raided the market and arrested some suspects whose kinsmen insisted must be released, a situation which degenerated into the fracas between them and the operatives.
Police operatives had to fire teargas canisters to disperse the mob which had gathered to attack the operatives and shop owners who lodged the complaints.
Following the free-for-all, shop owners quickly closed for business and fled.
Motorist plying the route on which the market is located had to make detours so as not to be caught in the imbroglio.
A reinforcement of security operatives including the police, men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were despatched to the market to bring the situation under control.
Spokesman of the NSCDC in Kwara, Ayeni Olasunkanmi, said the fracas was an aftermath of a raid earlier carried out by the police.
“It was the aftermath of a raid carried out by the police in the market because of complaints from shop owners that some people regularly broke into their shops at night.
“Kinsmen of the arrested suspects insisted that the police must release those arrested.
“The situation there is under control. Other sister agencies are there to ensure that the situation remains calm,’’ he said.
Police spokesman in Kwara, SP Okasanmi Ajayi, also said the breach of public peace in the market was caused by “a misunderstanding between two groups of tomatoes and pepper sellers.
“No casualty has been recorded in the fracas so far,’’ he said.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
![Katsina State](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/1863B29B-AC06-49E0-ADFA-655BBEC3389A.jpeg)
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
![Kayode Ajulo](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-58.jpg)
Abuja
Presidential Poll: Ajulo counsels lawyers against politicising 25% votes requirement in FCT
The constitutional lawyer accused some of his colleagues of mixing politics with the law to please certain quarters of the political class.
![Joav Galant](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-57.jpg)
World
Mixed responses trail Israeli minister’s demand to halt judicial reforms
Some lawmakers are pushing for reforms that the minister says would ‘weaken the Supreme Court’ and hand more power to parliament.
![Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-55.jpg)
NationWide
Gov. Abiodun hails late CGS Diya’s contributions to Ogun, Nigeria
“Diya played frontline roles in the evolution and development of the state and Nigeria as a whole,” the governor said.
![Yul Edochie](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/WhatsApp-Image-2023-03-26-at-11.22.26-AM.jpeg)
Showbiz
Yul Edochie urges men to be confident, says not all women are moved by money
“Whether you are rich or poor, as a human being, keep your confidence level high,” the actor wrote in an Instagram post.
![Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV)](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/9D2C18F8-8C51-4DFF-90CB-955A2A680E8A.jpeg)
Health
Stakeholders decry absence of GBV court in Ebonyi
The stakeholders noted that the nonavailability of a special court for GBV cases posed a challenge for victims to seek speedy justice.
![Meningitis](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/WhatsApp-Image-2023-02-16-at-19.28.27.jpeg)
Health
Meningitis: Avoid overcrowded, poorly ventilated areas, doctor cautions
The medical professional advised Nigerians to get vaccinated against meningitis and stay up-to-date with booster doses.