Akere Market Fire: COSEYL urges Igbo to remain calm  

As condemnation continues to trail the destruction and burning of Akere Spare Parts Market in Lagos State by alleged political thugs, the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), has appealed to Ndigbo in Lagos to remain calm, strong, and resolute.

The President General of COSEYL, Goodluck Ibem, warned that if such cruel and mischievous activities are not checked, Nigeria might degenerate into anarchy and lawlessness.

The group, however, commended the Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Architect Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour for donating the sum of N15m to assist the affected traders and their families, so that they will not go to bed hungry.

In a statement, yesterday, in Awka, COSEYL called on the Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Usman Baba, to immediately move into action and arrest those criminals and ensure that they face the full wrath of the law.

“Incidence of this magnitude, if not properly handled will lead to anarchy and lawlessness. The police and other law enforcement agencies should protect citizens’ lives, properties, and rights.

“We call on the Federal Government and the Lagos State government to ensure that this kind of madness exhibited by these criminals does not repeat itself. Nigeria is one and we have equal rights and privileges anywhere we live. We have one constitution that is binding on all Nigerians irrespective of tribe or religion”.

They added: “It is very unfortunate that innocent traders who are not politicians and have nothing to do with politics are subjected to unprovoked attacks at all times.”

They observed that there are Yoruba people in South East doing their business with no one discriminating against or attacking them.