Cult clash: Diri orders removal of illegal market structures, bans street trading in Yenagoa

Following the clash between rival cult groups that resulted in the death of two traders at the Swali ultra-modern market on Monday, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has ordered the removal of illegal structures and traders around all markets in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Governor Diri gave the order on Wednesday in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, saying that the pronouncement was necessitated by the resurgence of clashes between rival cult groups at the Swali market area.

Governor Diri recalled that at the inception of his administration, illegal traders and structures were evacuated from the Swali market to bring sanity to the area but expressed regrets that it had been reoccupied by miscreants and traders.

He said, “There has been a running battle between cult groups around the Swali market. We had earlier dislodged the same cultists at the beginning of this administration and ensured that the market was not obstructed. We also removed the illegal structures and traders.

“However, we had clashes between cult groups around Swali market area and traders that had taken over the roads. I hereby direct the Special Advisers on Security Matters and their team to swing into action at the Swali market again.

“From today, no street trading should be found in and around Swali market and all other markets within the state capital.”

The Bayelsa helmsman also directed the Security Advisers to synergize with security agencies to carry out a 24-hour patrol around the Swali market area and other markets to ensure the protection of lives and property.

He stated that mobile courts would also be reinstated at the Swali market to prosecute defaulters of the order.

In spite of the huge investment in the water sector by the government and international organisations, water scarcity has grown to become a perennial nightmare for residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Diri orders removal of illegal market structures, bans street trading in Yenagoa ; Diri orders removal of illegal market structures, bans street trading in Yenagoa ; Diri orders removal of illegal market structures, bans street trading in Yenagoa ; Diri orders removal of illegal market structures, bans street trading in Yenagoa.