Traders at the Ogiso market in Oredo Local Government Area staged a strike on Wednesday in response to the imposition of a daily levy of N100, which they claim is intended to support the market leader. The protest comes amid escalating tensions following an alleged attack by thugs aiming to unseat the current market leadership.
The situation intensified at the Ediaken market, commonly referred to as Uselu market, located along the Benin-Lagos road. Eyewitness accounts suggest that armed individuals discharged firearms during the unrest, resulting in numerous injuries among traders. Reports indicate that several victims have been hospitalized in undisclosed locations throughout Benin City.
Traders, primarily dealing in second-hand goods, voiced their frustrations over the newly enforced levies, which they argue are burdensome. Mrs. Blessing Adagbo, a trader, expressed her concerns, stating, “Paying levies demanded of us by the leadership of the market would amount to N9,000 monthly.” She emphasized that the only previously recognized payment was a daily tax of N50.
“All of a sudden, one woman who claims to be the market leader has introduced N100 for her feeding money, N100 for environmental fees, as well as increased our tax from N50 to N100 daily,” Adagbo added.
Another trader, Jude Okoye, called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to intervene in the situation, underscoring the economic strain on traders.
“Our major market days are Tuesday and Friday. So, why would they impose a N300 daily levy on us under this harsh economy? Some of us spend as much as N1,500 daily on transportation,” he stated.
The strike has also affected buyers of second-hand clothing, some traveling from neighboring Delta State, who were left disappointed due to the disruption in trade.
In response to the escalating conflict, Comrade Lucky Orukpe, Chairman of the Traders Welfare Union in Edo State, condemned the levy imposed on the traders and asserted that the market leader’s actions would face resistance. Attempts to contact the market leader for comment were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
The unrest at Uselu market, which began with a peaceful protest on Tuesday, January 22, 2025, escalated following an attack on traders by suspected thugs. The protest, which lasted several hours, effectively paralyzed traffic on the busy Ugbowo-Uselu-Lagos road, leading to significant congestion.
A trader who wished to remain anonymous expressed support for the current market leadership, stating, “We are happy with the leadership of the market union and want them to remain until the end of their tenure.”
However, he noted the surprise and dismay of traders when a faction allegedly aligned with the government attempted to disrupt the existing leadership.
“Our women came out to reject the new leadership, and they brought thugs who started shooting on Tuesday evening, resulting in many injuries and hospitalizations,” he added.
The traders are now calling on Governor Okpebholo to address the violence and the issue of thugs attempting to destabilize their market’s leadership.
