Trade Fair, Alaba Market Closure Threat To Public Security — Experts
By Uchenna Eletuo
Two security experts on Tuesday decried the closed of Alaba and the Trade Fair markets by the Lagos State Government.
The experts, Dr Andrew Ibeh of Diamond security firm and Mr Austin Bereko of Synergy Strength Limited, said that, the sealing of the two major markets in Lagos, was a threat to public security as many of the traders depended on daily earnings to live and could be prey to crime in order to survive.
The experts spoke in separate interview with the source in Lagos against the backdrop of the state’s indefinite closure of the markets.
The markets, that serve the West African countries and other Nigerian neighbours were on Monday sealed by the state for alleged environmental disorder.
The markets hubs for confectioneries, merchandise, electrical and electronics wares, auto spare parts and others has remained sealed for the second day on Tuesday, with the traders mostly youths idling away at home.
Ibeh, said that, the policy was an unwholesome one without a human face, saying apart from value man hour loss the young ones could be predisposed to crime for lack of wants.
“Many of them are used to certain life style which their daily earnings could support but with the close of the markets that is the source of income they might be tempted to seek unwholesome ways to survive.
“The market was closed after a weekend with most of them not having prior knowledge of the closure as most come to market on Monday to do business only for them to turned back be operatives.
“Yesterday evening at a relaxtion spot in the area ordered for drinks without informing the owner that they want to buy for credit, but informed her after they have eaten and drank to their satisfaction something worthy of N7, 000.
“This kind of thing is rear in the place before this period,” he said.
Bereko said that, the market closure that has halted commercial activities in the markets also affected sundry businesses within the traders residential areas.
Commercial motorists and motorcyclists that depend on the traders for their daily earnings are crying for lack of patronage alongside the street unchains that sells tickets to the motorists.
The security expert, said that with the subsisting hardship in the land many of those classes of daily earnings persons could be easily be lured into organised crime to the discomfort of the public.
He called on the state to treat the matter with human kindness and reopen the market and save the traders from loss
Source reports that the International Markets has no fewer than eight million persons earning iving from it with many banks operating in the places.
(NAN)
