LASG, relocate Mile 12 Market

Last March, the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, closed down Mile 12 market on Ikorodu Road for four days because of persistent gridlock.

On Friday, April 20, there was heavy fighting among supporters of two factional leaders struggling for the control of the market, as reported in Saturday PUNCH, April 21, 2012, page 8.

Dangerous weapons were used, and people were wounded.

The police from Ketu Police Division had to subdue the uprising.

A lot has since been said and written on this matter.

In the ’90s, there were rumours that the market would be relocated elsewhere in order to put a stop to the incessant ethnic-based bloody clashes between Hausa and Yoruba traders.

In addition, two military governors at separate times shut down the market because of perennial traffic hold-ups and related offences.

Several appeals by prominent community leaders to the local government chairmen to recommend the relocation to higher authority fell on deaf ears.

Now, I call on Governor Babatunde Fashola to relocate the market elsewhere within the state on health and security grounds.

An area close to Shagamu in Ogun State might be suitable enough.

The landmass to be vacated could be converted to a modern general hospital that will take care of Lagosians, especially those in Ojota, Ketu, and Ikorodu axis.

Again, all vehicles carrying foodstuffs from other states of the federation would make use of Lagos-Ibadan and Ore-Sagamu express roads to the new location, and Lagosian living in Ikorodu and beyond would start to enjoy a new lease of life.