Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has ordered the immediate closure of Umuehilegbu Industrial Market, popularly called Bakasi Market, in Aba, the commercial hub of the state.
According to a statement by the Chief of staff to the Governor, Chief Anthony Agbazuere, the order came as a result of an unwarranted attack on men of the Abia State Fire Service and the destruction of their vehicles.
The statement added that the Chairman and all members of the Industrial Market Management Committee have also been suspended.
Ikpeazu also ordered the police and other security agencies to safeguard the market and equally arrest all perpetrators of the illicit acts for consequential prosecution.
Mob from the market had reportedly attacked men of the fire service for allegedly arriving late to put out fire that razed a section of the market.
The statement, titled ‘Government Special Announcement, read, “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.”