Traders Attack Task Force Members, Many Injured

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

This is not the best of times for the members of the Environmental Task Force in Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos, as they were attacked by some spare parts traders when they went to enforce laws.

The incident happened at Itire area where they had gone to perform their lawful duties but met strong resistance from the traders.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that the Task Force Chairman, Alhaji Muyideen Sanusi and one Ismaila Akinshola were seriously injured in the attack and were rushed to hospital while some of them sustained various degree of injuries.

Trouble was said to have started after some traders parked their vehicles on Itire Road leading to Lawanson Street. The task force officials attempted to tow those vehicles having repeatedly warned them to remove them. It was then that the traders mobilised themselves, used bottles, stones and cutlasses to attack the task force members, injuring many of them in the process.

The incident was reported to the police who went there and arrested three suspects who were said to have masterminded the attack. The suspects were Nwosu Chigozie, Okechukwu Akubudu and Nnaemeka Nwosu.

They were charged before Isolo Magistrates court for assaulting the officials and stopping them from performing the legal duties.

They pleaded not guilty.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. A.O. Adedayo granted them bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety each in like sum. The Prosecutor, Mrs. Rita Momah did not object to their bail but informed the court that the victims were in hospital.

They were remanded in prison custody pending when they will perfect their bail condition.