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Tag: Mile 12

  • Lagos shuts Mile 12, Owode Onirin markets for environmental infractions

    Lagos shuts Mile 12, Owode Onirin markets for environmental infractions

    …goes tough on illegal conversion of lay-bys to garages

    The Mile 12 and Owode Onirin markets have been shut for filth and various environmental infractions.

    The markets were closed in a joint operation by enforcement officers from Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI), on directives of the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.

    Wahab, who insisted on zero tolerance for filth in markets, said: “Recent events at Mile 12 and Owode Onirin markets have brought to light the pressing need for strict adherence to sanitation standards in our markets. The closure, though a difficult decision, is a necessary step to address the prevailing environmental challenges, and ensure the safety and well-being of all stakeholders.

    Read Also: We won’t tolerate any form of economic sabotage, COAS warns soldiers

    Meanwhile, activities of the yellow buses at Ojodu Berger inward and outward Lagos, was on Friday stalled as the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, alongside the Ministry of Transportation’s Traffic Enforcement Team, carried out an unscheduled comprehensive enforcement exercise.

    The exercise was to address the issue of commuter vehicles utilizing lay-bys as bus garages, thereby contributing to traffic congestion and inconvenience for the public.

    The Commissioner personally supervised the operation to ensure that public transportation facilities were used as intended and to alleviate traffic issues in the Ojodu-Berger area. He ensured that lay-bys, which had been permanently converted into bus parks by mini-buses popularly known as ‘Korope,’ were all cleared.

    Addressing the bus drivers at the location, Osiyemi warned public transport operators in other parts of the state, who engage in such practices to desist as it will soon be their turn in the ongoing enforcement.

    The Transport Commissioner reemphasized the Ministry’s commitment to improving travel experience for commuters and motorists in the state.

    He said: “The actions taken in Ojodu Berger and at Otedola Bridge demonstrate our resolve to enhance the transportation infrastructure and ensure the safety and convenience of the public”.

    While addressing the issue of unregistered and unpainted vehicles, he advised such vehicle owners to do the needful or face the consequences of their actions in line with the Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

    While carrying out the enforcement exercise at Ojodu Berger, a 33,000-litre tanker carrying diesel overturned at the Otedola Bridge, resulting in the spillage of its contents. This unfortunate event led to traffic congestion and warranted immediate attention.

    The Commissioner and his team promptly inspected the scene of the incident and supervised relevant agencies and authorities to ensure that the situation was brought under control. Safety measures and traffic management procedures were implemented to minimize the impact of the highly flammable spillage and ease traffic congestion.

    Among those who accompanied the commissioner on the enforcement are; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Wale Musa, the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr . Bolaji Oreagba; and the Director of the Lagos State Vehicle Service, Engr. Akin-George Fashola, LASTMA/VIS Personnel and Officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

  • Lagos shuts Mile 12, Owode Onirin markets over environmental infractions

    Lagos shuts Mile 12, Owode Onirin markets over environmental infractions

    The Mile 12 and Owode Onirin markets were jointly shut down due to unsanitary conditions and several environmental violations.

    The closure was enforced by officers from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI), following directives from the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.

    Wahab, who insisted on zero tolerance for filth in markets, said: “Recent events at Mile 12 and Owode Onirin markets have brought to light the pressing need for strict adherence to sanitation standards in our markets. The closure, though a difficult decision, is a necessary step to address the prevailing environmental challenges, and ensure the safety and well-being of all stakeholders.

    Read Also: Renovation: Mile 12 market traders back LASG

    “The closure of Mile 12 and Owode Onirin markets will enable stakeholders to assess the situation and improve public health and environmental sanity around those axes. Conditions in the markets have deteriorated to a point where immediate intervention became inevitable”.

    The commissioner stressed that the enforcement action was not an isolated event, but part of a broader strategy to instill a culture of cleanliness and compliance with environmental regulations across the board for markets within the state. He urged traders and customers to prioritise hygiene and sustainable practices in their daily business activities.

    Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the markets were shut for very severe unhygienic conditions and a litany of environmental infractions. He added that shutting them was necessary to force a proper clean-up and protect public health.

  • Easter: Price of food items relatively stable in Lagos

    Few days to Easter celebration, prices of tomatoes, pepper and rice have remained stable in most markets in Lagos, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    A survey by NAN at Mile 12, Oke Odo, Oyingbo and Iddo markets reveals that a basket of tomatoes sells for between N3,500 to N5,000 depending on the freshness and the specie of the tomato.

    A 50-kilogramme basket of red pepper (Tatashe) goes for N6,000 as against N6,500 it sold previously, 50kg Chilli pepper (Rodo) cost N5,000 from its old price of N6,500.

    A jute bag of onion, however, rose to N15,000 from its former price of N14, 400, a 50 kg bag of rice ranges between N15,000 to N18,500 depending on the brand.

    A kilogramme of frozen chicken goes for N1,200, frozen turkey cost N1,300, while the price of a live chicken cost between N2,000 to N5, 000.

    A five litres of palm-oil goes for between N1500 to N1700, five litres vegetable oil cost N2500, while a paint measure of garri goes for N350.

    The price of a medium-sized yam tuber has also increased from N300 to between N400 and N500.

    Some traders attributed the price increase to the season and transportation.

    Alhaji Haruna Mohammed, Leader of  Mile 12 Traders Association, told NAN that price of perishable food items, especially tomatoes was relatively cheap and stable despite the fact that it was their off-season.

    “This time last year, a basket of tomatoes was sold for N10, 000, but this year, people are benefiting from reduced price due to high cultivation by farmers,” he said.

    Mohammed urged government to continue with its various interventions in agriculture to make prices of food items affordable and available in the market.

  • 12 held as thugs attack police sergeant at Mile 12

    Some suspected cultists yesterday attacked operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Task Force) at Mile 12, injuring a police sergeant.

    The officer is said to be battling for his life at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

    Sergeant Damilola Adeojo, The Nation learnt, who was attacked with cutlass and broken bottles, is in LASUTH’s Emergency Ward awaiting tests on his brain.

    The task force apprehended a cult leader and 12 hoodlums during the raid.

    Read also: Three killed in robbers, police battle at Ojo

    Its Chairman Olayinka Egbeyemi, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), said in a statement yesterday that the raid followed residents’ petitions on cult activities in the neighbourhood.

    The statement reads: “The enforcement operations around Mile 12 today (yesterday) was carried out to flush out the cultists and miscreants disturbing innocent people around Mile 12.

    “We acted on series of ‘Save our Soul at Mile 12’ petitions submitted to our office by residents of Mile 12 and its environs.

    •The suspects… yesterday

    “During the attack, Sergeant Adeojo was injured with cutlasses and broken bottles. He is receiving treatment at LASUTH.”

    Egbeyemi vowed to end cult killings in the state, particularly around Mile 12, Bariga, Somolu and Lagos Island.

    The Mile 12 Market Traders Association has called for the establishment of a security outfit within the market to check street urchins.

    Its spokesman Femi Odusanya said fighting between street urchins and officials of the Lagos State Government at Owode and Kosofe areas often disrupted trading at the market.

    “The situation is sad because no fewer than  20,000 people visit  Mile 12 market daily and anytime we shut the market for just one hour, we lose about N100 million.

    “We appeal to the government to situate an armoured personnel vehicle and security officials around the area to forestall further incidents,” he said.

  • Butcher allegedly waylays truck driver, steals N170,000

    Butcher allegedly waylays truck driver, steals N170,000

    A 30-year-old butcher, Saheed Ibrahim, on Monday appeared before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly waylaying a truck driver on Lagos Carter Bridge and dispossessing him of N170,000.

    Ibrahim, who resides at No. 3, Ogbayo St., Sangotedo Lekki, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

    The accused pleaded innocence of the offences.

    The Prosecutor, Insp. Philip Osijiale, told the court that accused and three of his accomplices, who are presently at large, committed the offences on Nov. 28, at about 8:00pm.

    Osijiale said that the accused and his team waylaid a truck driver, Mohammed Bukankwato, on Carter Bridge, Idumota, Lagos Island, when his truck broke down.

    Read also: Man gets N50,000 bail for N8000 theft

    He said that the accused and his accomplices forcefully collected the sum of N170,000 from the driver.

    “The truck driver was coming from Mile 12 and heading to Ijora when his truck broke down on the bridge.

    “The accused and his gang accosted him and threatened to throw him in the Lagoon if he did not give them all he had.

    “They collected the sum of N170,000 from him and ran away.

    “The complainant went to the nearest police station to report, fortunately the accused was apprehended and efforts are still underway to arrest the three others at large,” he said.

    Osijiale said that the offences contravened Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    Section 287 stipulates three years imprisonment, while Section 411 carries two years imprisonment for offenders.

    The Magistrate, Mr Omolaja Kazeem, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

    He adjourned the case until Jan. 3, for mention.

    NAN

  • Arewa community divided over planned relocation of Mile 12 market

    The Arewa community in Lagos is divided over the planned relocation of Mile 12 market.

    Some members of the community have declared their support for the move, the leadership of Arewa traders in the market has condemned it. The traders alleged that their kinsmen who are supporting the move are “backstabbers”.

    When  Governor Akinwunmi Ambode spoke about the market’s planned relocation after the Agiliti riot, president of the Arewa community declared the group’s support for the proposal.

    The group also condemned former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwakwanso for trying to mediate with the Lagos State government to reconsider its plan.

    But the leadership of the Amalgamated Foodstuff, Ram and Cattle Dealers Association expressed surprise over the statement, describing it as very unfortunate.

    The Financial Secretary of the Mile 12 traders association, who is also the youth leader, APC, Lagos Arewa community, Alhaji Shehu Usman, said the community’s efforts to be peaceful with others is being destroyed by what he called a deliberate spread of falsehood.

    Usman, who described the action of the leadership of the Arewa community as suspicious, said: “We know the sponsor of that story. But it is very unfortunate that the person is an Arewa like us. The question that should agitate the mind of anybody is which kind of person would work against the interest of his people? It is a sad commentary on how far some people will go to destroy a good thing for their selfish interest.

    “Why would anybody want to condemn prominent Arewa leaders like Kwakwanso, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, senior National Assembly leaders and several others who tried to intervene, for being good and responsible leaders? When you call yourself a leader, you must be seen to be working for the interest of your people. It is rather unfortunate somebody would come out to condemn a leader over such matter.”

    Usman, while tracing what he said was the genesis of the story, said the leaders who are mostly traders in major markets in Lagos, worked for the state’s development.

    He said: “During the last campaign, we came together to work with our party, the APC. It is on record that the leadership of all the markets where you find Arewa community in Lagos joined forces without collecting any money from anybody.

    “Our findings have now revealed that those behind the spread of divisive messages are those who planned to make money from the party, but whose plans were thwarted by our action. You can ask anybody, we have always worked with the people and government in Lagos State without any problem. But the action of these people can bring about bad blood between us.”

  • Mile 12: Arewa leaders slam kinsmen supporting relocation

    The leadership of the Amalgamated Foodstuff, Ram and Cattle Dealers Association has condemned a statement credited to a leader of Arewa community in Lagos over the planned relocation of the Mile 12 market.

    The Financial Secretary of the Mile 12 traders association, Alhaji Shehu Usman, denounced the frustration of efforts by the Arewa community in Lagos to maintain a peaceful relationship with the people of Lagos by what he called a deliberate spread of falsehood.

    Reacting to a story published in some national dailies in condemnation of former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwakwanso’s act of attempting to mediate in the disagreement apparently caused by the planned relocation of  the Mile 12 market, Usman, who also functions as youth leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos Arewa community, said: “We know the sponsor of that story. But it is very unfortunate that the person is an Arewa like us. The question that should agitate the mind of anybody is, which kind of person would work against the interest of his people? It is a sad commentary on how far some people will go to destroy a good thing for their selfish interest.

    “Why would anybody want to condemn prominent Arewa leaders like Kwakwanso, Governor Ganduje, senior national assembly leaders and several others who tried to intervene, for being good and responsible leaders? When you call yourself a leader, you must be seen to be working in the interest of your people. It is rather unfortunate that somebody would come out to condemn a leader over such matter.”

    Usman, who was reacting to a report signed by the secretary of the Arewa community in Lagos, Musa Saleh, expressed surprise at comments made by the scribe.

    Tracing what he said was the genesis of the story, he noted that leaders of the Arewa community in Lagos, mostly traders in major markets in the state, work for the development of Lagos State. He said: “During the last campaign, we came together to work with our party, the APC. It is on record that the leadership of all the markets where you find Arewa community in Lagos joined forces without collecting any money from anybody.

    “Our findings have now revealed that those behind the spread of divisive messages are those who planned to make money from the party, but whose plans were thwarted by our action. You can ask anybody, we have always worked with the people and government in Lagos State without any problem. But the action of these people can bring about bad blood between us.”

    Calling for calm, Usman pleaded with the Lagos State governor and leaders of APC in the state to wade into the matter as it is a dangerous trend capable of sowing the seed of discord between the Arewa community and the government. “I sincerely want to plead with our governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, our leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and other APC leaders to intervene now before these people destroy all the good things that we have achieved all these years.”

  • Mile 12 traders reject relocation plan

    Mile 12 traders reject relocation plan

    Mile 12 traders yesterday kicked against the planned relocation of the market to Imota.

    They are asking the Lagos State Government to upgrade the market instead of moving it.

    Under the aegis of Mile 12 Traders Association, they said the planned relocation varies with their position on the matter.

    At a news conference in Lagos, the Secretary of Shukurah Yam Market, Mr Collins Obichukwu, and the Chairman, Provision and Electronics Section, Chief Sunday Ossai, said the traders were not consulted before the decision was taken.

    Obichukwu said the government should modernise the market and equip it with functional facilities like it did at Sura, Apongbon and Tejuosho markets with minimum hardship to the traders.

    He said the traders had agreed with the government that issues bordering on relocation would be subjected to “extensive consultation” with the market’s stakeholders.

    “The government did not dialogue with us before making declaration of relocating the market within six months.

    “How will a government make unilateral declaration on a matter that affects our livelihood and the masses without due consultation with the people that will be directly affected particularly in a democratic dispensation.

    “Instead of relocating us, government should modernise our market; after all we also pay tax,’’ he said.

    Ossai alleged that the traders were coerced to agree to relocation as a condition before the market could be reopened after the Agiliti riot.

    “We agreed under duress because the market had been closed for two weeks.

    “We were hungry, our goods were rotting away and we were recording financial losses.

    “If the government does not have ulterior motive of converting the market into an estate as it is being speculated, they should develop the market with the necessary infrastructure,’’ Ossai said.

    The Iyaloja of Orisumbare Market, Mrs Dupe Ojo, said the traders had invested billions in the market, adding that relocating within six months would be difficult.

    “Mile 12 market is an international market that provides employment to over 250, 000 people.

    “We appeal to the government to develop the market just like they did to Tejuosho and Oyingbo markets for economic growth in the state,’’ Ojo said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mile 12 Market had been in existence for over 40 years and it occupies over 20 hectares of land.

  • Mile 12 traders reject relocation plan

    Mile 12 traders reject relocation plan

    The Mile 12 Traders Association, Lagos, has urged the Lagos State Government to upgrade the market instead of relocating to Imota area of the state.

    The traders made the plea at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos.

    The Secretary, Shukurah Yam Market, Mr Collins Obichukwu and the Chairman, Provision and Electronics Section, Chief Sunday Ossai, who spoke for the traders, said the traders were not consulted before making the decision to relocate.

    Obichukwu suggested aid that the government should develop the market into a modern one with functional facilities like it did at Sura, Apongbon and Tejuosho markets with minimum hardship to the traders.

    The trader said that the proposed relocation of the market would be at variance with their position during the meeting held with the government when the market was shut.

    He said that the traders had earlier agreed with the government that issues bordering on relocation would be subjected to extensive consultation with the stakeholders of the market.

    “The government did not dialogue with us before making declaration of relocating the market within six months.

    “How will a government make unilateral declaration on a matter that affects our livelihood and the masses without due consultation with the people that will be directly affected particularly in a democratic dispensation.

    “Instead of relocating us, government should modernise our market; after all we also pay tax,’’ he said.

    Ossai said that the report, which claimed that the traders had agreed to the relocation was false.

    He alleged that the traders were coerced by the state government to agree to relocation as a condition before the market could be reopened after the bloody clash in the area.

    “We agreed under duress because the market had been closed for two weeks.

    “We were hungry, our goods were rotting away and we were recording financial losses.

    “If the government does not have ulterior motive of converting the market into an estate as it is being speculated, they should develop the market with the necessary infrastructure,’’ Ossai said.

    The Iyaloja of Orisumbare Market, Mrs Dupe Ojo, said the traders had invested billions of naira in the market, adding that relocating within six months would be difficult.

    “Mile 12 market is an international market that provides employment to over 250, 000 people.

    “We appeal to the government to develop the market just like they did to Tejuosho and Oyingbo markets for economic growth in the state,’’ Ojo said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mile 12 Market had been in existence for over 40 years and it occupies over 20 hectares of land.

  • Mile 12 riot: 117 suspects’ trial adjourned till May 23

    Mile 12 riot: 117 suspects’ trial adjourned till May 23

    An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos yesterday adjourned till May 23 trial of the 117 persons arrested in connection with the ýMarch 3 Mile 12 market riot.

    The accused are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful assembly, acting in a disorderly manner and disturbing the public peace. They have since pleaded not guilty.

    According to the prosecutors, Osuyi Goddy, and Inspector Simon Imhonwa, the offence is punishable under Sections 409 and 45 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

    When the case came up yesterday, Lagos State Assistant Director of Public Prosecution (ADPP) Mr. Jide Martins told Magistrate B.O. Osunsanmi that the police were yet to forward the case file to the DPP.

    Martins asked for an adjournment to enable the police to do so.

    Mrs Osunsanmi granted his request.