Street Trading: Lagos Police Attack Ikeja Council Officials

MICHAEL AKINOLA 

Ordinarily, it is the responsibility of the police to maintain law and order. But it was a different story in Ikeja as the council officials were attacked and assaulted by the police officers attached to the State Police Traffic Unit, very close to the Ikeja Local Government headquarters.

The council officials had mobilised to dislodge the street traders displaying their wares in front of the council, who were causing traffic obstructions. They, however, met stiff resistance from the police officers who attacked and assaulted them for chasing away the street traders.

The council officials did not understand what would have necessitated the attack. They subsequently reported the matter to the Sole Administrator of Ikeja Local Government, Engr Abiodun Taiwo. Investigation revealed that the police officers do collect money from the street traders and allowed them to display their wares on that part of the road.

The Sole Administrator, Engr Abiodun Taiwo in company of senior council officials then went to the State Police Traffic office to officially report the matter and resolve it. But no senior police officer was on sit to receive them.

Another scenario played out while the council officials were leaving the police office. A fair complexioned female police officer who was alleged to have spearheaded the attack and assault, started raining abuses on the council officials and ordered them to leave their premises.

PM EXPRESS’ attempt to get the senior police officers to react on the development was not successful as they were still not on sit as at the time of filling this report.

Things like this should not come from law enforcement officers and is highly condemnable.