Traders storm LG secretariat to protest shops’ closure

Scores of traders in the Agege Local Government Area of Lagos, on Thursday, stormed the council secretariat to protest the closure of their shops by the officials of the state government.
The traders, who demanded explanations from the council boss for the action, said the officials of the local government had become fond of locking up shops in the area, without any tangible
reason.
They complained that the development had become a threat to their source of livelihood.
The traders accused the task force officers in the area of being “too overzealous” in discharging their duties.
They added that, although they were not notified by the council officials of their impending action, the operatives had earlier warned them of having unkempt surroundings, which they had taken
care of.
They, however, said to their dismay, they suddenly saw on that day that the premises in which their shops were located had been locked up.
“The task force officials are making things too difficult for us; we are sick and tired of their abusive operations,” spokesperson for the traders, who simply identified herself as Folarinade, said, outside the council’s complex.
“This inhuman treatment must stop. We want our council chairman, who we all supported, to come to our aid,” she added.
Responding, the council Chairman, Mr. Ganiyu Egunjobi, who noted that there was little he could do to contain the excesses of the officials, since they were under the direct control of the state government, said he would still make a case on their behalf.
Meanwhile, residents of the area have commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his plans to begin the construction of a flyover at Pen Cinema.
They said that the project would improve the socio-economic activities of the people.