The immediate closure of Umuehilegbu Industrial Market, popularly called Bakasi Market has been closed on the orders of the executive governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu following a mob attack on Abia State Fire Service and the destruction of Abia State Fire Service vehicles on Monday, August 10.
WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that an angry mob attacked the fire workers, burnt their vehicles because the men of the state fire service failed to respond on time to control a fire incident in the market.
This was contained in a statement signed and released by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. A.C.B Agbazuere on the shut down of the market.
The statement reads thus:
“Following the unwarranted attack of men of the Abia State Fire Service and the destruction of Abia State Fire Service vehicles, the Governor of Abia State, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Ph.D has approved the immediate closure of Umuehilegbu Industrial Market popularly called Bakasi Market, Aba.
“The Chairman and all members of Umuehilegbu Industrial Market Management Committee are hereby suspended.
“The Police and other security agencies are to safeguard the market and equally arrest all perpetrators of the illicit acts for consequential prosecution.”
Some people have been arrested in relation to the attack.