Tension in market as traders beat up policeman

A section of the market.

There was tension in Iyana Itire Spare Parts Market, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Lagos, on Monday after some traders beat up a policeman.

PUNCH Metro learnt that most shops in the market did not open for activities until about 12 noon, as information went round the market that it might be sealed off.

Our correspondent gathered that the yet-to be identified policeman, who was attached to the state Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja, was allegedly beaten up by some traders on Saturday.

It was learnt that the policeman, along with his colleagues, was not on uniform and had come to the area to make an inquiry.

It was said that while they were inside the market, some traders had challenged the policemen to identify themselves before making any inquiry. This, it was gathered, led to a scuffle during which the policeman was beaten up by the traders.

When our correspondent got to the market on Monday around 12pm, most of the shops were just opening for businesses.

A trader, who begged for anonymity, said one of the policemen who came to the area on Saturday was assaulted. He, however, denied knowledge of those who had beaten up the policeman.

He said, “Most of us, particularly around the affected shops did not open early because there were fears that the police would come to seal off the shops because of the assault. The chairman of the market and other members of the executive have gone to SARS.

“However, I don’t know those who beat up the policeman.”

When our correspondent got to the market union office, it was learnt that the chairman and his executives were not around for comments.

However, a task force executive in the office, who declined to give his name, confirmed that the police had come to the market on Saturday to make some investigations. He added that he was not aware that anyone was assaulted.

Meanwhile, a source at the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, told PUNCH Metro that a policeman was brought in with bandages on Saturday and was still receiving treatment. The source added that the executives of the market had also come to SARS.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, could not be reached for comments.

PUNCH