Traders in Mandate Market, Ilorin, Kwara State, on Sunday, came out in their numbers to trade despite the closure of the facility by the government.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had on Saturday night announced a two-day closure of the market following a fracas between law enforcement agents and suspected shop breakers in which one person was feared killed.
When our correspondent visited the market on Sunday afternoon, although all the gates leading to it were closed with a police Hilux vans at strategic positions, the place was a beehive of trading activities.
Aside the market, nearby houses, available spaces and other buildings were turned into market of sorts with buying and selling activities at their peak.
The situation caused a gridlock as trucks carrying pepper and tomatoes could not access the market.
Many motorists and residents complained about the development and its attendant hardship.
A tomato seller, Mrs Hannah, said, “We can’t afford to stay at home. We sell perishable commodities. Staying at home today would be a huge loss for us. Same to many other traders.”
Speaking on the issue, the Iyaloja of Kwara, Mrs Adenike Lambe, said the leadership pleaded for those selling perishable goods to be allowed to trade to avoid losses.
