The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has closed down the popular Wuse Market in Abuja, following the riot and fire outbreak that occurred on Tuesday at the market.
The situation remained tense when LEADERSHIP visited the market, as some angry persons who refused to vacate the market were seen clutching bottles and sticks.
However, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were also seen at the ground trying to ensure peace and calmness.
Recall that angry youths set parts of the popular market on fire after police allegedly shot a 17-year-old hawker dead on Tuesday.
Our correspondent gathered that the victim who was being tried at the mobile court in the market, had attempted to run away, but was allegedly shot and killed by a prison official.
The office of the Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML) inside the market, as well as some vehicles parked at the car park were touched by the fire.
Although there was no management staff of the market on ground as of the time of filing this report, the Chief Security Officer of the market who spoke anonymously, explained what led to the riot and fire outbreak.
He said officials of the Nigerian Correctional Centre had arrived at the market on Tuesday to arrest a suspect, but the warden ended up shooting the victim due to his resistance.
“A riot later broke out as a result of the incident. Some parts of the market were also set on fire.
“The situation is getting more intense and security operatives have advised that we vacate the premises,” he said.
However, the Police commissioner, FCT Police Command, Benedict Igweh, said that the Correctional Officer who shot and killed one of the handcuffed convicted offenders has been arrested for interrogations.
He disclosed this on Wednesday after a closed door meeting with senators over the level of security in Abuja, assuring that calm and sanity have been restored to the market.
