Makinde: Those responsible for Shasha crisis don’t mean well for Nigeria

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, says the recent crisis at Shasha market in Ibadan, the state capital, was the work of those who do not have good intentions for the country.

A statement by Taiwo Adisa, the governor’s chief press secretary, noted that Makinde stated this during a visit to Akinyele market in Ibadan.

In February, there was a violent clash in Shasha market, which claimed lives while goods and property worth millions of naira were destroyed.

Several traders relocated to Akinyele market after the clash.

During his visit to the market in Akinyele, Makinde enjoined traders to shelve ethnic differences to forestall crisis.

“When the incident at Shasha happened, I was convinced that it was the handiwork of people that do not mean good for this country. We want as many people that can make a living in Oyo state to come here. It does not matter where you are from,” Makinde was quoted to have said.

“What I want to say is that this is a market which has contributed to the economy of Oyo state. I will meet with the leadership of the market and we will ensure that this place is organised.

“Truth is we don’t want any loss of lives. This is why we will clear the express road, clean all of these places, and they will make ways for you. But please, we don’t want people to trade on the expressway; we want them to come in.

“We are all together and you should go about your business without hindrance. Obey your leaders; obey the laws that will be put in place in this market, and you won’t have any problem with anybody, not even with the government.”

He also promised to install basic infrastructure at the market.

“We will get the local government to come here and upgrade your facilities. They will fix the road coming in here; they will put solar light so that people can stay here. But please and please, do ensure that there is ethnic harmony in this place,” Makinde added.