The Lagos State government has once again sealed the popular Ile Epo Market, the second largest food market in the state after Mile 12, citing poor sanitary conditions amidst a cholera outbreak.
Officials from the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) sealed the market on Sunday, marking the second closure in less than a year due to environmental concerns.
Many traders and buyers were taken by surprise as they arrived at the market only to find it locked, expressing frustration over the abrupt shutdown.
“I am appealing to the government to find lasting solutions to these frequent closures,” lamented Rosemary Olatinwo, who was unable to purchase food items due to the closure.
Sister Mercy, another trader, criticised the recurring closures, urging authorities to explore alternative solutions rather than shutting down the market repeatedly.
The General Secretary of the Ile-Epo/Oke Odo Traders’ Association, Olatunji Manchester, expressed suspicion over the timing and frequency of the closures, emphasising the challenges faced by traders and their families.
According to a task force official who spoke anonymously, the closure was prompted by the market’s filthy environment and the ongoing cholera outbreak in the state. He highlighted heaps of refuse as a major concern.
Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the closure on his verified X handle, attributing it to numerous complaints about the market’s poor hygienic conditions and non-compliance with waste management regulations.
“This action aims to protect the public from diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery,” Wahab stated, urging vigilance from citizens in reporting similar sanitary issues.
The state government’s actions come amidst efforts to contain the spread of cholera, which has been a growing concern in Lagos.