THERE was an uproar on Wednesday after the popular Wuse market, was shut down by its management following a riot and fire outbreak that occurred yesterday at the market.
Our correspondent at the scene said the situation was tense, as some persons refused to vacate the market and were seen clutching bottles and sticks.
At the time of filing this report, members of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were already at the market to ensure peace and calmness were restored.
Channels Television had on Tuesday, reported how angry youths reportedly set parts of the popular market on fire after police allegedly shot a 17-year-old hawker dead inside the market.
It was gathered that the suspect who was being tried at the mobile court in the market, had attempted to run away, but was allegedly shot and killed by the police.
The office of the Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML) inside the market, as well as some vehicles parked at the car park, were reportedly touched by the fire.
Although there was no management staff of Wuse Market on ground as of the time of filing this report, the chief security officer of the market who refused to speak on camera, explained what led to the riot and fire outbreak.
According to him, officials of the Nigerian correctional centre had arrived at the market yesterday to arrest a suspect, but the warden ended up shooting the victim due to his resistance.
A riot later broke out as a result of the incident.
“Some part of the market was also set on fire. The situation is getting more intense and security operatives have advised that we vacate the premises,” the chief security officer of the market told our correspondent.
