MILE 12

The Lagos State Government on Thursday re-opened the Mile 12

market, two weeks after it was closed. A fortnight ago, violence
erupted in the Mile 12 area following a dispute between two rival
groups. In a bid to stem further violence, the Lagos State
Government announced the closure of the market till further
notice. Yesterday, however, the government and various
stakeholders held a meeting and reached an agreement to reopen the market.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy,
Steve Ayorinde, specified other agreements to include a ban on
commercial motorcycles in the area, the relocation of the market
in due course, as it (the market) has outgrown its present
location, and the destruction of illegal structures in the area.
Prior to the re-opening of the market onThursday, The Security
Watch (TSW) visited the Mile 12 area for an update on the
situation. Although the market was without the usual hustle and
bustle, trading activities were going on, on a limited scale. A large
number of wicker baskets which hitherto served as containers for
stuff were empty, but tomatoes, peppers, onions, etc., were on
display. Asked why they were still doing business in the area
despite the closure of the market, the traders complained that
they and their children were going hungry. They wondered how
else they would survive without doing business. Some who had
nothing to do were seen idling away, suffering from boredom.
They lamented the daily loss of revenue and cried out to
government for help.
Asked if they would like the government to relocate the market, a
yam dealer, Murtala Muhammed (namesake of a former Nigerian
military ruler), explained that he and some of his partners had
lived comfortably in Mile 12 for about 35 years, and would not
support the planned relocation. He appealed to the government

to rescind the decision and re-open the market soon, adding, I

have three wives and eleven children; some of us here have two
wives, others three, and many children; and no food to eat.
Kazeem Yusuf is of the Yoruba tribe and also resident in Mile 12.
He explained that Mile 12 is an international market and home to
many people of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. He said
they had co-existed peacefully for years before clashes broke out
about two weeks ago. He blamed the escalation of violence on the
association leaders who failed to act quickly to stub out the spark
that later flared up into a full-scale crisis. He appealed to
government to consider the poor masses whose livelihood
depended on the market, promising that every means would be
employed to prevent a recurrence.
Further down in the Agiliti area, scenes of destruction spoke
louder than words. Shells of burnt-out houses and vehicles bore
witness to the conflagration, and were in such number as to
astonish even the most stoic of beholders.
A dusk-to-dawn curfew was still in place. Security agents and their
vehicles were stationed at various locations. As dusk approached,
silence began to fall and residents were seen scurrying away into
their homes in order not to break the curfew. Very soon, they
said, the whistle will be blown and anyone caught outside will be
in trouble. At that point, TSW also took their leave in order not to
be on the wrong side of both Mile 12 and the law.
Meanwhile, the large lorries transporting food stuff from the North
were reported to have found a temporary stopping place
somewhere near Lagos, along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway,
while waiting for a lifting of restrictions on the market.
The Mile 12 market is believed to be the largest food market in
Lagos. Owing to its strategic location, it is the preferred
destination point for virtually all food supplies from different parts
of the country, and therefore serves as a central supply source to

other smaller markets. Its relatively low prices make it a favourite

to many housewives and chefs alike. Since its closure a fortnight
ago, greengrocery, especially, has been scarce and expensive.
The order to reopen it now therefore comes as a huge relief to
many.
Nonetheless, all ears are pricked up, eager to hear where the new
location will be, when the time comes.