Some thugs on Wednesday invaded the popular Oliha Market in Benin City, Edo State, chasing away both traders and customers and throwing the market into confusion.
According to reports, the thugs are alleged to be loyal to the state government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state.
Igbere TV gathered that, upon invasion, the thugs barred anyone from selling goods in the market. This was further collaborated by some traders.
The people claimed the thugs were infuriated because a trader in the market was seen with Adams Oshiomhole of the All Progressives Congress.
“I was asked to send a woman away from the market because she was seen with Oshiomhole during campaign.
“They then said I should mobilise traders to follow Obaseki to PDP and vote for him but I told them that everybody had the choice to vote for whoever they want.
“Suddenly today, over 10 PDP thugs in the area came into the market and started shooting sporadically.
“Everybody had to run for their lives. As it is now, nobody has been able to return to the market,” Chief Sunny Erahengbo, Chief Security Officer of the market, told reporters.
He added that the thugs were escorted by some police operatives.
He urged the state police command to ensure the safety of residents in the community.
“The Commissioner of Police should please do the needful and secure our lives and our traders.
“The police should take action before things turn around and people are being killed,” Erahengbo added.
