Ladipo Market: Sanwo-Olu urged to probe soldiers’ shootings, killing of traders

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been urged to probe the killing and injuring of traders at the Ladipo Market, Mushin, by soldiers on Tuesday.

The Executive Director of Rule of Law And Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Okechukwu Nwanguma, said that he was shocked at the disturbing news of the attack and use of lethal weapons on the traders by military personnel, resulting in the death of at least four persons and injuries on many others.

He said that although there were different versions of what happened on Tuesday, it was clear that all accounts pointed to the fact that there was a dispute between a customer who purchased an auto spare part at the market and returned with the part demanding a replacement after the expiration of the warranty.

This resulted to arguments and altercations and then a fight between the customer and some executive members of the traders union. The man was said to have run out and invited a military patrol team which arrived and started shooting directly at traders.  Vehicles within the market were riddled with bullets as could be seen in one of the videos recorded at the scene.

Nwanguma added: “The exact details of what actually led to the shooting need to be investigated. But we are concerned about the involvement of military personnel in what appears to be a civil dispute and the use of lethal weapons on unarmed civilians. The role of the military in a civilised democracy is clearly spelt out and does not include meddling in civil matters. The arms given to the military and purchased with tax payers’ money are given to them to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria and not to use them to kill their fellow citizens whom they are employed and paid to protect.”

He asked that Sanwo-Olu to ensure all the military personnel responsible should be brought to account. He also stated that the victims should be accorded adequate remedies while steps should be taken to avoid a repeat of such reckless and shameful episodes.