By Ben Adoga
Following Wednesday night’s indefinite closure of the Dei-Dei market by the FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello after the violence that led to the death of five persons, a heavy cloud of tension has enveloped the market on Thursday.
While the traders held meetings in groups depending on the section of the market they belong to, some weapon-wielding motorcyclists also assembled in their clusters watching the traders just as the heavy presence of armed security personnel provided the barrier needed to prevent another deadly crash.
This is as the cancelation of the swearing-in of new area council chairmen and councilors billed for Friday has added more tension in the nation’s capital.
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The one time very busy Dei Dei International Market was a ghost of itself with all shops closed while its road was devoid of the usual hassle and bustle it was known for.
The traders however did not hold back their frustration as they vehemently protested the closure of the market where they earn their means of livelihood while the okada riders, who were also involved in the Wednesday skirmish, were allowed to go about their business activities.
The Vice-chairman of the Dei-Dei International building materials market, Celestine Ekebo who also expressed concerns over the development, noted that the administration’s decision was in the best interest of the territory and its residents.
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He called on both the affected and non-affected members of the market to cooperate with the administration until when the necessary investigations are carried out.
He added that the administration, through the Abuja Market Management Ltd had asked the traders to evaluate the properties destroyed and present them to the administration for possible compensation.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police, From Pam who was personally on the ground to ensure the situation does not escalate, told our correspondent that the Police, in collaboration with sister agencies have initiated strategies that will ensure normalcy was restored to the area.
