Anxiety As Former Ladipo Market Leader, Okoli Feared Dead After Attack By Armed Men

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

There was a fracas at the Aguiyi Ironsi International Traders Centre section of Ladipo Market in Lagos after the former president of the market, Chief Jonathan Okoli was attacked by armed traders reportedly aided by the current leadership of the market.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that Okoli was brutally attacked with axes and cutlasses and was badly injured.

He was rushed to an unknown hospital where doctors are battling to save his life.

This has created tension in the entire Ladipo Market as traders are apprehensive of what would happen to Okoli since the brutal attack and the unconfirmed rumour of his death.

They are afraid of the reprisal attack from his supporters within and outside the market.

Trouble started when Okoli who owned more than 20 shops in the market and had been outside the market for close to five years wanted to enter the market with his supporters.

He was barred from entering at the entrance gate of the market, an action which triggered exchanges of hot words.

It was during the confusion that some angry traders decided to vent their anger on Okoli with the use of axes and cutlasses they had kept in their shops.

When our correspondent contacted the president of the Market, Mr Cyril Onyemaechi, he denied any attempt to kill Okoli but explained what happened.

According to him, it was Okoli who wanted to enter the market by force using some armed thugs he brought who are not traders.

He said when he was briefed of what was happening at the gate, he went and met Okoli.

Onyemaechi said he told Okoli that he cannot enter the market with those people that are more than 200.

He said while they were still discussing, Okoli attacked one of the traders which triggered the crises and many people were injured in the process including Okoli.

Onyemaechi said the traders were not against Okoli entering the market but that he should not come into the market with thugs and arms.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that the police have waded into the matter and investigation have since commenced.