By Omowumi Omotosho and Bamidele Aremu
Armed security operatives, including officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, have taken over the entrance of Challenge Market to restore order following a protest by traders earlier on Monday morning.
The protest, which disrupted business activities in the area, was staged by the traders to express grievances over the newly constructed fence by the Kwara state government which has restricted access to the market therefore causing drastic change in sales for the traders.
When National Pilot visited the market on Monday noon, heavy presence of security operatives stationed at strategic points around the market entrance was observed. The operatives were seen monitoring movements and ensuring that activities remained peaceful.
At the time of filing this report, normalcy had returned to the market. Traders resumed their usual business activities, and the once-tense atmosphere had given way to a sense of calm. Many shop owners were seen engaging in transactions without interference.
