How Ile-Epo market traders, other users, defy social distancing orders

In spite of the efforts of the federal government and most especially, the Lagos state government in ensuring that community transmission of the deadly virus, COVID-19 is contained, Many traders and buyers at the popular Ile Epo market in Lagos have continued to defy the directive on social distancing.

In our fact findings, our correspondent who visited the popular Oke-Odo Market in Alimosho local government area of the state observed that traders and many other users of the market who were supposed to be on a queue on one of the gates to gain entrance into the market, defied the state’s lockdown orders, such as wearing facemasks, practising social distancing and sanitizing their hands.

In fact, there was almost a pandemonium but for the swift intervention of the state task force, as sellers and truckloads of perishable goods were barred from entering the market.

Although, it was gathered that the commotion was caused by the enforcement of the ‘No Market day’ as the state government had approved certain days for food markets to operate due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This online news platform observed that all the gates leading into the market were locked and manned by the leaders and administrators of the market. For instance, some of the sellers had their goods seized by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps LAGESC for violating the environment law and directive of the state government.

However, both sellers and buyers locked out of the market relocated to areas nearby to carry on business activities which led to a gridlock on the road leading in and out of the market.

Some able-bodied youths who have stores in the market were seen jumping the fence of the market to gain access into their stores.

It was, however, gathered that some of the sellers claimed some people were allowed to open for business because they had settled the market leaders while others who do not have the means were denied entry.

A tomato seller at the market said although it was announced yesterday that the market would not open for business, she had to come to sell off her goods because they would go bad if not sold by the end of the day.

An official of the LAGESC, who did not want his name mentioned said they were in the market to ensure its closure as the day was not the approve day for market activities, adding that the sellers and buyers were violating the directive of social distancing and non-use of facemasks.

Market leaders of the popular Ile Epo could not be reached as they refused to answer their telephone calls.