Bodija: Ajimobi re-opens market, donates N30m to dead traders

                                                                        

The Bodija market which was previously closed due to the unrest that arose between traders has been re-opened by the Oyo State governor.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday re-opened the popular market in Ibadan, the state capital. The market was closed on Friday due to a clash between Yoruba and Hausa traders in the market.

According to reports, Ajimobi, who also donated N30 million to the families of some dead traders on the occasion, urged the people to see themselves as working toward a common goal.

He said:

“We may not be able to avoid conflicts where two or more people are gathered, but we must all work towards forgiving each other as the Holy Books admonished.

“The killing of the Yoruba traders in Maiduguri (Borno State) was an unfortunate situation, but those of us alive should move on by forgiving ourselves. “I am here to plead with both parties and to ask the parties to sheathe their swords.

“Whatever the cause of the conflict, my administration will work towards helping you out and that help starts now.” Ajimobi said that the donation, which came from the state government coffers, would be shared by the families of the slain traders. He added: “Government will also inspect and determine the extent of damage to shops and items, with the aim of assisting those who suffered some losses.

“I have also instructed the local government chairman to work together with your market executives and come up with a list of what you expect from the government.” Ajimobi urged the traders to form a cooperative society and promised to provide them with loan facilities. “My administration makes this solemn promise that you should expect to see infrastructural changes in this market as from the first week in the month of September,” he said.

Trouble started when some youths in the market protested the sale of beans in the market by traders from outside the state after the killing of some Ibadan-based traders by suspected Boko Haram members. While some bags of beans and other properties were destroyed, there was no loss of lives.