In the aftermath of the fire that engulfed Akere market, Olodi-Apapa, traders at the Ladipo Auto Spare-Parts Market, Mushin, and other markets in the state have been assured of sufficient protection by CP Idowu Owohunwa, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.
Owohunwa made the pledge when he visited Ladipo Auto Market on Friday to meet with the market’s management and get a firsthand feel of the area.
The CP, who was greeted by the market’s leadership, which was led by Mr. Jude Nwankwo, President-General of Ladipo International Market, stated that extra uniformed and plainclothes police had already been sent to the market and other locations in the state.
He exhorted them to follow the law and live in peace, never overstepping their bounds.
According to the police chief, the state’s markets are now receiving more of the command’s attention. He urged the traders to always provide the police with timely, pertinent information about suspicious gatherings and movements.
The market’s President-General, Jude Nwankwo, expressed gratitude to the CP for coming.
Furthermore praised by Nwankwo was his concern for and proactive approach to ensuring the safety of the vendors and companies at Ladipo market.
Nwankwo specifically thanked Owohunwa for sending additional men to the market, stating that this increased security presence has given buyers and traders more confidence at the largest auto parts market in West Africa.
The traders also praised Mushin, the Area Commander for Zone D, and the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in charge of the region for their constant professionalism.
Unknown arsonists broke into the Akere Motor Parts and Associated Dealers Market in the Olodi-Apapa neighbourhood of Lagos State on Wednesday and set fire to merchandise worth millions of naira.
Baba Hakeem, a security guard at the taxi park next to the market, was killed in the sad event, which was allegedly carried out by masked men.
