By Paul
The administration of Alaba International Market in Lagos acknowledged yesterday that three persons were murdered and 28 others were injured in a violent conflict between traders and tax collectors.
Chief Amajuoyi Camilus, Chairman of Alaba International Amalgamated Traders Association, justified the market’s closure by stating that the injured victims were also hospitalized in a facility in Ojo, Lagos.
Camilus, who confirmed the figure while briefing reporters in the association’s office yesterday, said the Agberos came to the market in large numbers, armed with guns, cutlasses, cudgels, and other dangerous weapons, shooting, killing, and maiming both buyers, traders, and everyone else doing legitimate business.
According to him, the decision to close the market was influenced by the necessity to preserve life and property.
Oyindeji Olaleye, the chairperson and Security Coordinator of the Alaba Amalgamated Association, also suggested that the conflict should not be politicized.
