Two traders were reportedly slain during a demonstration against the State Government’s closing of Ogbete Main Market in Enugu State.
Earlier, news outlets stated that upon taking office, Governor Peter Mbah banned the customary Monday sit-at-home imposed by a section of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Many citizens, however, have refused to abide with the governor’s directive, fearing an attack by mysterious gunmen terrorizing the state and the South East.
Sit-at-home: Ogbete Market Traders Protest Over Sealing of Shops By Enugu Govt (Video)
Following the failure to comply, the governor ordered the closure of banks and businesses in Ogbete and other parts of the state for failing to open on Monday.
The state government said that the impacted stores will be closed for one week and also gave conditions that the affected traders must meet before their shops would be reopened.
The development prompted a protest by Ogbete market vendors, who marched to the streets to oppose the governor’s actions.
An eyewitness at the scene confirmed to Newsmen that two traders were allegedly killed during the protest.
According to a police officer who witnessed the incident, the governor has ordered the closure of Ogbete Main Market indefinitely.
He said: “I am in the market with my DPO, soldiers and so many other security agents. Ogbete Main Market has been totally shut down.
Sit-At-Home: Gov Mbah Seals Market, Other Businesses That Refused To Open In Enugu State
“There is no single soul in the market as I speak to you. I don’t think Ogbete Main Market will be opened again.
“Information reaching me now is that two traders have been shot dead by soldiers in front of the market. It is regrettable but I think the governor is not handling the sit-at-home situation well.”
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