By Ben Adoga, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has announced the reopening of the Dei-Dei International Wood and Furniture Market and the adjoining markets which were shut following the crisis that erupted at the market on the 18th of May, 2022.
Recall that the market and other selling points around the market were shut following the violence that erupted leading to the death of five persons.
Malam Bello broke the news on Thursday, while addressing journalists after a meeting with major stakeholders of Dei-Dei community, held at the FCDA Conference Hall, Garki, Abuja.
According to the Minster, all stakeholders at the meeting agreed that the Dei-Dei market fracas was not ethnic inspired incident but a traffic accident that was hijacked by hoodlums.
In the words of the Minister “This morning, we held a very important meeting with the stakeholders of the Dei Dei community, the leadership and the head of that community, His Royal Highness, Dr Idris Musa, the Sarkin Jiwa and all the leaders of the five major markets within that community, as well as religious leaders.
“Basically, we reaffirmed the need for peace in that community, as well as FCT in general, and discussed at length, all issues relating to last week’s incident that led to the destruction of properties and unfortunately, loss of lives.
“The conclusion of our meeting is that all the communities agreed that what happened was not a tribal or religious crisis. What happened was just an unfortunate accident that was overtaken by hoodlums in the community who created havoc. The general consensus now is that every community will make sure that miscreants and hoodlums are flushed out.”
Malam Bello also said that the meeting equally resolved that many of the structures in the market were erected in non-conformity with the Abuja Master Plan and corrective measures will be taken to correct these development anomalies.
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Speaking on the activities of commercial motorcyclists known popularly as Okada, the Minister said that their operations will be brought under full regulation and control.
“Generally, the entire stakeholders agreed that peace is very important. Without peace, there will not be economic development and without peace, there will be no society. It was clearly reiterated that the FCT Administration will ensure that all rules and regulations are adhered to.”
The traditional ruler of the Dei-Dei area, Dr. Idris Musa the Sarkin Jiwa also sued for peace, saying they were all brothers and sisters and so should endeavour to live in peace at all times.
Corroborating the Minister and Sarkin Jiwa, Chairman of the Dei-Dei International Wood and Furniture Market, Mr. Kingsley Orabuego, urged: “We have to live in peace as one nation.
“We are here to make ends meet and we cannot live without each other. We cannot progress without each other. So, I’m urging all the people of Dei-Dei Building Materials Market to live in peace and embrace each other”.
