Pic : Fish Market
The Iyaoloja (Market leader) of Epe fish market in Lagos State,Mrs Adeola Giwa, has dissolved its security unit amidst increasing complaints of stealing.
Giwa disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Epe, on Friday.
She said the management of the market entrusted its security on people who had constantly failed in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities.
“The failure of the security outfit to properly guard the market, necessitated its dissolution.
“It is better for each trader to be vigilant and protect their goods. This will help to identify the loopholes and culprits.
“The market management is working toward getting a better security personnel that will help in ensuring maximum protection for goods in the market, ” she said.
A shop owner, Mrs Christopher Adekanbi, an underwear vendor reported multiple thefts that completely emptied her store.
According to Adekanbi, her entire stock of stockings, worth N350,000 was stolen recently, along with other items.
“I had just restocked my shop, hoping for good sales but by morning, everything was gone.
“This is not the first time. How do they expect us to survive in the market environment like this,” she said.
Also, Mrs Yewande Ajibola, a food stuff seller expressed frustration for loosing goods worth millions to theft.
According to her, bags of rice, beans, chains, earrings, footwear and other valuables were stolen in her shop overnight.
“I work hard to stock my shop but these thieves keep stealing everything. How do I sustain my business, ” she said.
Similarly, Mrs Mujidat Jinodu, a pepper seller, said that the Epe Local Government Area needed to intervene in the security matter, as a matter of urgency.
“This is getting too much, we need government security agencies in the market to secure our property, which are worth millions of Naira.
“The Epe fish market is the biggest in the local government area and should be properly guarded.
“We pay our tax, dues and other levies to government to ensure our safety and that of our goods. Now, we are left to fend for ourselves. This is not right, ” she said.
Earlier, Mr Moyo Alao, a fish seller, said the dissolution of the security team led to heightened tensions within the market, with traders now resorting to improvised measures, including staying overnight at their stalls to guard their wares.
He urged community leaders and stakeholders to intervene to restore order and find sustainable solution to the security challenges plaguing the market
The Chairperson of Epe local government area, Ms Surah Animashahun, in her response, said she was not aware of any reported cases of theft in the fish market.
She assured that the matter would be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate measures would be taken to provide a lasting solution.
“I have always known the market to be a peaceful business environment.
“This report of theft is surprising but I will look into it and take necessary action,” she said..(NAN).
