There was pandemonium in Enugu after Hausa cattle traders attacked government officials and destroyed a police vehicle at New Artisan Market, which had been marked for demolition.
WuzupNigeria reports that cattle dealers had refused to vacate the New Artisan Market despite a State High Court order, obtained by the owners of the land in dispute, that the market be demolished.
On Thursday, the landowners – the Nwajanja family – after failing to effect the order several times in the past, reportedly moved into the place with a team of policemen to enforce the directive.
The traders, however, resisted the move. According to the Punch, the Hausa traders upon seeing the police officers attempt to execute the order as given above reportedly went inside the market, brought several AK-47 rifles and chased away the government officials and police detachment.
Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mohammed Ndatsu, Aliyu ordered the immediate launch of thorough investigation “to fish out and bring to book, miscreants whose acts of violence led to the sustaining of injuries by innocent citizens, vandalism and burning of vehicles at New Artisan Market, along Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway, Enugu at about 4.00 pm of today, 22/04/2021.”
In a statement by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, he said, “Preliminary investigation reveals that the unscrupulous elements within the Market, became riotous and resisted the execution of a Court Order issued by High Court of Enugu State, authorizing the demolition of structures and possession of the land area covering the Market by Nwajanja Family of Akpugo in Nkanu West L.G.A. of the State.
“It further shows that the unwarranted rioters set up burn-fires on the road, obstructed vehicular movement, injured unascertained number of persons, vandalized two (2) caterpillars that had gone to carry out the demolition exercise and set ablaze three (3) vehicles.
“Meanwhile, normalcy has been restored by Police Operatives, while five (5) persons connected with the riotous act have been arrested and are helping ongoing investigation.
“Consequently, the Commissioner has enjoined law-abiding members of the public, especially those plying the NNPC Mega Station axis of Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway, to go about their lawful businesses without fear of intimidation or harassment, as necessary measures have been taken to forestall further occurrence of the riotous act.
