Ambode
PIx Source :businessdayonline.com
…Bans Use Of Okada In The Area
The Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has ordered the re-opening of the popular Mile 12 Market closed as a result of the violent clash between Yoruba and Hausa traders
Recalled that the popular Mile 12 Market was on March 3, 20116 by the governor to restore law and order as a result of the deadly clash which led to the death of many while several people were injured and houses set ablaze.
Statement according to the Commissioner for Information, Steve Ayorinde, stated that the governor ordered re-opening of the market on today, Thursday after meeting with “relevant stakeholders”.
According to him, “Governor Akinwunmi Ambode this morning has ordered the reopening of Mile 12 market…after stakeholders assured him of peace and order”.
Quoting the Lagos State Governor Ayorinde said that Mile 12 Market had outgrown its present location and that it would be relocated.
The further stated that, “Realising the strong need to move the popular Mile 12 Market from its present location, community leaders and traders in the area have agreed with the plan of the state government to relocate the market to another suitable and more convenient location within the state”.
The statement further stated that market leaders and traders have agreed to the ban of commercial motorcycles also known as Okada in local parlance as a means of transportation in the area.
According to the statement,“The community leaders said the decision became imperative owing to the fact that the Mile 12 Market, which had been in existence for decades, has outgrown its present location and available infrastructure, hence the need to reason with government.”
Speaking shortly after the meeting with the stakeholders, the Financial Secretary of Mile 12 Market, Shehu Usman, said they have “agreed with government on measures to be adopted moving forward and that they include; ban on the use of Okada for transport and relocation of the market.
Prior to re-opening of the market security agents were stationed at strategic area of the markets and some volatile areas to prevent a reprisal attack by any of parties to the dispute.