>
The popular Alade Market in the Allen Avenue, Ikeja, area of Lagos has been invaded by armed thugs, witnesses and a lawyer to the traders’ association in the market said.
Premium Times reports that Jiti Ogunye, the lawyer, said the thugs were attacking traders and appeared bent on sacking them so a private developer could build a shopping mall on the land.
Mr. Ogunye, who is concerned that the breakdown of law and order in the market might lead to loss of lives, called on the Area F Police Area Command to quickly intervene and deploy officers to the scene.
He said he was surprised that the command, which was directed by the Lagos police commissioner to maintain law and order, had so far failed to deploy.
“The lives and properties of traders are in danger, and authorities need to act fast, the lawyer said.
The Lagos Police Command could not immediately be reached for comments.