The Lagos State Government on Friday met with all the stakeholders from Mile 12 market, Agiliti community, Maidan and its environs aimed at finding a lasting solution to the violence that led to the closure of the Mile 12 market with a promise that a harmonious and effective solution would be put in place in the next few days.
Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, who presided over the meeting held at the State Secretariat, Alausa, said that all the leaders agreed on the need to cohabit in peace irrespective of their religion, culture or tribes.
Bello urged the leaders to go back and assure their people to maintain the peace, stating that the State Government would consider the inputs of all those present in arriving at a decision.
Addressing the leaders which included those of the various sections of the Mile 12 market, traditional rulers from Agiliti, Maidan, leaders of the transport unions, commercial motorcyclists, community development associations and leaders from the communities, Bello said leaders also agreed to go back to their communities and assure their people of government’s desire to ensure that lasting peace reigns in that community.
The SSG who said the issue of disagreement is not new in the area said what is uppermost is that everybody should see the next person as his brother, hence everyone at the meeting must leave with an open mind of cohabiting peacefully with their neighbours and avoid bloodletting.
He reiterated the directive of the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode that the market remains closed and all trading activities be suspended to aid security agencies restore calm to the affected areas.
He gave an assurance to the market leaders from Mile 12 that the State Government is studying the situation and would address all the issues that have arisen decisively with a view to ensuring that it does not recur again.
Speaking at the meeting, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr I.O Edgal who stood in for the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni said the Police High Command has secured the Agiliti area and its environs and peace has now returned to the community.
He said the clash and resultant loss of lives was very unfortunate and that going by the level of destruction on ground, it was not commensurate with what was reported to have precipitated the clash.
Other participants at the meeting including the Iyaloja of Mile 12 market, Alhaja Iyabo Ahmed, Baale of Maidan, Chief Baale Ogunjobi, Baale of Agiliti, Chief Jimoh Onikosi, Serikin Nupe, Alhaji Jibril Magaji, Chairman, Shukura yam, Alhaji Mohammed Damdana, Chairman of CDA Central, Elder M.A Showande, were all resolute in appealing to the State Government to ensure that the issue is resolved on time so that they can go ahead with their various businesses.
Other Government functionaries in attendance include the Special Advisers to the Governor on Civic Engagement, Hon Kehinde Joseph, Community Development and Communication, Hon Kehinde Bamigbetan and Permanent Secretaries from Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Fola Adeyemi and Cabinet Office, Mr Olushola Odupitan.