Crime
One killed, two injured as violence erupts at Lagos International Trade Fair Complex
By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka ,Abuja
The Lagos International Trade Fair Complex has been closed indefinitely following a violent clash on Sunday that claimed the life of a staff member and left two others hospitalised, the Executive Director/CEO of LITFCMB, Barr.
Speaking during a telephone interview with Newsmaker on Monday, Barr. Ndanusa explained that the incident occurred when a management task force moved to halt what she described as “illegal construction” within the complex.
According to her, “In the process of stopping them, they opened fire on the task force. One staff died on the spot, and two others are in the hospital.”
Barr. Ndanusa praised the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies for their prompt intervention, noting that the situation had been brought under control and retaliatory actions prevented. She stated that the market would remain shut pending the conclusion of investigations.
She stressed that the complex, regarded as a strategic federal asset located along the West Africa trade corridor, would not condone any breakdown of law and order.
“Violence and criminality stand directly in opposition to the vision of a secure, prosperous and investment-friendly Nigeria,” she said.
Efforts by Newsmaker to contact the Balogun Business Association through its public inquiry line, +234 803 070 2090, and the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer on 0803 596 3919 on Monday were unsuccessful. The BBA line was unreachable, while the police MTN line was unavailable and the GLO line switched off.
As of press time, the Lagos State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. The identity of the deceased staff member and the complete circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under police investigation.
Continue Reading