Akere Spare Parts Arson An Assault On Igbos — South East Group Warns

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has condemned the recent burning of the Akere spare parts market in Olodi Apapa, Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State. The market was set on fire by unknown arsonists who also killed a 65-year-old security guard on duty.

In a statement issued by its President General, Goodluck Ibem, COSEYL described the attack as a direct assault on Igbo traders who operate in the market.

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The group claimed that the attack was politically motivated as most Igbos were supporting the Labour Party governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, in the March 18 elections.

COSEYL lamented the fact that innocent traders who are not politicians and have nothing to do with politics are being subjected to unprovoked attacks at all times. The group called on the Lagos State government to ensure that all Igbos and other ethnic groups living in the state are protected from such attacks.

The coalition also noted that such discrimination against non-indigenous traders has never been recorded in the South East. According to COSEYL, some Yoruba people have been allowed to run for elective posts in the region without any discrimination.

COSEYL stressed that the South East region is a peace-loving and very accommodating place where strangers are accepted as brothers and sisters. The group called on all ethnic groups in Nigeria to live in peace and harmony with one another.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State government has called on security agencies in the state to fish out the perpetrators of the fire incident for prosecution. Governor Babjide Sanwo-Olu has assured residents of the state of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that they live in peace and security.