Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has shut down the popular Wuse Market following an unrest and burning of shops on Tuesday at the market.
When LEADERSHIP visited the market, the situation there was tense, as some angry persons who refused to leave the market were seen clutching bottles and sticks.
However, members of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were also seen at the market trying to ensure peace and calmness.
It was earlier reported how angry youths reportedly set parts of the popular market on fire after police allegedly shot a 17-year-old hawker dead inside the market.
According to the information gathered, the victim who was being tried at the mobile court in the market, had attempted to run away, but was allegedly shot and killed by a prison warden.
The office of the Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML), inside the market, as well as some vehicles parked at the car park, were reportedly burnt.
Although, there was no management staff of Wuse Market on ground as of the time of filing this report, the chief security officer of the market who spoke based on anonymity, explained what led to the riot and fire outbreak.
He said officials of the Nigerian Correctional Centre had arrived at the market yesterday to arrest a suspect, but the warden ended up shooting the victim due to his resistance.
“A riot later broke out as a result of the incident. Some parts of the market was also set on fire. The situation is getting more intense and security operatives have advised that we vacate the premises,” he said.