EPE News

Ayetoro Market in Disarray as Ìyá Oloja Dissolves Security Amid Rising Theft Cases

Published

1 month ago

Feb 26, 2025.

Ìyá Oloja of Ayetoro Market dissolved the security team after repeated thefts.
Christopher, a trader, lost all his stock twice, leaving his shop empty.
Traders are now guarding their shops themselves, calling for better security.

Ayetoro Market in Epe is facing growing tensions following the decision of the Ìyá Oloja, the market leader, to dissolve the security unit amid increasing complaints of stolen goods.

Ekohotblog gathers that this action was taken after Christopher, a vendor selling underwear and socks, reported multiple thefts that left his store completely emptied.

EDITOR’S PICK

According to Christopher, his entire stock of socks was stolen recently, along with other items.

“I had just restocked my shop, hoping for good sales, but by morning, everything was gone. This is not the first time. How do they expect us to survive like this?” he lamented.

Christopher’s ordeal worsened when he purchased new goods to replenish his store, only to find his shop burglarized again before daybreak, leaving his shelves completely empty.

In his quest for a solution, he approached the Ìyá Oloja to report the incident.

To his shock, she responded by dissolving the market’s security unit, leaving traders to safeguard their stores independently.

The thieves did not stop at Christopher’s shop. They also targeted a nearby food store, stealing bags of rice and beans, chains, earrings, footwear, and other valuable items.

The store owner, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed frustration, saying, “I work hard to stock my shop, but these thieves keep taking everything. How are we supposed to survive like this?”

Explaining her decision, the Ìyá Oloja stated, “We entrusted security to people who have clearly failed us. Rather than continue with an ineffective system, it is better for each trader to be vigilant and protect their own goods. This will help us identify the loopholes and possibly the culprits.”

However, her action has sparked outrage among the market women, who feel abandoned in their struggle to secure their livelihoods. One of the traders voiced her frustration, saying,

“We pay dues to ensure our safety and that of our goods. Now, we are left to fend for ourselves. What kind of leadership is this?”

FURTHER READING

The dissolution of the security team has led to heightened tensions within Ayetoro Market, with traders now resorting to improvised measures, including staying overnight at their stalls to guard their wares.

Community leaders and stakeholders are being urged to intervene to restore order and find a sustainable solution to the security challenges plaguing the market.

Click Here For Video of The Week