We’re not party to Kuto market invasion, says Ogun govt

The Ogun State Government has condemned the alleged invasion of Kuto Market in Abeokuta by some hoodlums and policemen, purportedly for the purpose of demolishing and reconstructing the market.

Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, who issued the condemnation in a statement on Monday, clarified that the government was not aware of any move to demolish the popular market, describing the invasion as illegal and unacceptable.

He added that the policemen brought by the alleged developer were not from the Ogun State Police Command but were hired from a neighbouring state.

The government, however, commended the prompt intervention of personnel from the State Police Command for the arrest of two of the policemen who were brought to participate in the illegal demolition.

The state government said a manhunt has been launched to arrest the person who hired the uniformed men and hoodlums to foment trouble in the popular market.

The government promised that all those involved in the breakdown of law and order in the market would be brought to book.

He urged the market women and the youths in the area to remain calm, adding that adequate security measures will be put in place to prevent any attack from land speculators.