Hundreds of traders at the popular Ogbete market in Enugu trooped out on wednesday morning in protest over the closure of their shops by the state government for failing to open shops on Monday.
But on Monday, government officials moved from place to place sealing business outfits as many residents are yet to comply with the government’s directive out of fear of possible attack by hoodlums.
The government has also given conditions the affected traders must meet before their shops would be reopened.
The development has now sparked protests by Ogbete Market traders as traders trooped out and marching within the metropolis, chanting angry songs.
It was learnt that one persons was shot dead while others sustained bullet wounds as protesting traders clashed with police and soldiers in Enugu.
The Police Public Relation Officer of Enugu state police command, Daniel Ndukwe in a statement said Normalcy has been restored at Ogbete Market Enugu
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He said “following the report of protest by some traders over the sealing of their shops by the State Government and their attempt to force others, whose shops were not sealed, to close theirs and the entire market closed. The initially 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,” he said.
