FCTA shuts down Wuse market over riot, fire outbreak

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has decided to close Wuse Market, a well-known marketplace in the city, in response to protests and the fire incident on Tuesday.

The situation at the market remains tense, with members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Police Force attempting to restore order amidst pockets of agitation.

The unrest began when reports surfaced of enraged youths setting fire to parts of the market, allegedly in response to the police shooting of a 17-year-old hawker.

Witnesses said the victim, who was on trial at the market’s mobile court, tried to flee but was fatally shot by a prison warden.

As a result, the Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML) office on the market grounds, as well as several parked vehicles, caught fire.

While the market’s management was unavailable at the time of reporting, the chief security officer provided information about the events preceding the unrest.

He explained that officials from the Nigerian Correctional Centre had arrived to apprehend a suspect, resulting in a physical altercation and arson.

“The incident led to a riot, resulting in fires breaking out in certain areas of the market. The situation remains volatile, and security personnel have advised the evacuation of the premises,” the security officer clarified.