Bayelsa gov’t bans street trading, illegal markets in Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has ordered the removal of illegal structures and traders around all markets in the state capital.

Governor Diri, who gave the order on Wednesday at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Yenagoa, said the pronouncement was necessitated by the resurgence of clashes between rival cult groups at the Swali market area.

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Daily Trust had earlier reported that a clash by rival cults last Monday claimed the lives of two people while two others were critically injured at Swali Market.

Governor Diri, while handing down the directive, recalled that at the inception of his administration, illegal traders and structures were evacuated from the Swali market to bring sanity to the area but expressed regrets that it had been reoccupied by miscreants and traders.

He said: “There has been a running battle between cult groups around the Swali market.

“We had earlier dislodged the same cultists at the beginning of this administration and ensured that the market was not obstructed. We also removed the illegal structures and traders.

“However, yesterday (Tuesday), we had clashes between cult groups around Swali market area and traders that had taken over the roads.

“I hereby direct the special advisers on security matters and their team to swing into action at the Swali market again.

“From today, no street trading should be found in and around Swali market and all other markets within the state capital.”

He also directed his security advisers to synergise with security agencies to carry out a 24-hour patrol around the Swali market area and other markets to ensure the protection of lives and property.