The Edo State Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) has said traders on Lagos Street axis within the Benin metropolis were not compelled by the family of late Chief Arala Osula to shutdown their shops and stalls.
The Commander, Edo PUWOV, Mukhtar Yusuf-Osagie said some traders within the axis voluntarily shut down their businesses to honour the late Benin Chief.
He said claims that the Osula family compelled traders to shut down their stalls was the handiwork of mischief makers who are intent on stirring crisis in the area.
Yusuf-Osagie however noted that a joint team comprising PUWOV officials, the Police and members of Edo Security Network has been fully deployed to the area to ensure the maintenance of law and order.
The Commander said, “The news making the rounds that the children of late Chief Arala Osula compelled traders within the Lagos Street axis of Benin City to shut down in honour of their late patriarch is not only false but the handiwork of mischief makers hellbent on causing disunity and crisis in the area.
“We have spoken to Traders Union Chairman in Lagos Street, Mr. Odion Uwugiamen who said some of the traders voluntarily decided to lock their shops in honour of Benin Chief who they consider as a father and patron.
“He said some traders including those around Mission Road, Forestry and environs also joined to honour the late Osula as no family member compelled or coerced traders to shut their businesses.”
Yusuf-Osagie said PUWOV will continue to work with security and law enforcement agencies in the state to complement the government’s efforts at ensuring sanity, law and order in Edo State.
