Police seal off market as committee members’, traders’ clash in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command yesterday sealed off Eke-Awka Market in Awka, the state capital.

The action followed a clash between members of the Amalgamated Traders Association (AMATA) and the caretaker committee recently inaugurated by the state government.

It was learnt that the caretaker committee members wanted to hold a rally to announce their assumption of office but the traders resisted this.

The committee, led by Charles Arinze, held its ground and held the rally.

This led to shootings between both camps.

Though nobody was injured, the confusion that followed the shootings forced many traders to close their shops early.

The police deployed 30 of its men to the market and sealed it off.

Police spokesman Raphael Uzoigwe confirmed the incident.

He said the police had restored order in the market.

Uzoigwe said the command deployed it men to the market to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

According to him, the duty of the police is to protect lives and property.

The police spokesman, however, denied an exchange of gunfire between both camps.

He said the story would have been different if the police had not arrived early on the scene.

The caretaker committee, it was learnt, was inaugurated by the government to ensure peace in the market, following a clash in which one person was reportedly killed.

---

Posted: at 24-10-2012 10:58 AM (11 years ago) | Gistmaniac

Imposition of leaders by yeye govt and it's implications. This is just the begining. I'm watching

Posted: at 24-10-2012 12:49 PM (11 years ago) | Gistmaniac