Economic and social activities in Akure, the Ondo State capital were grounded on Thursday as shops and stores were locked for the annual traditional Amole festival in the town.
The traditional ruler of Akure, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, had ordered the closure of all shops and markets across Akure metropolis and its environs.
Nigerian Tribune observed that only banks, government offices and filling stations opened for business while most streets within the state capital were deserted.
While there was movement around the town, most of the traditional markets, like Oja Oba,
Erekesan, Odo Ikoyi, Isolo, Isikan, Oba ile and Arakale, were deserted in compliance with the traditional ruler’s directive.
Meanwhile, some hoodlums who moved around the town took advantage of the closure to attack a few traders who flouted the directive.
At the Bolajoko area of Oke-Aro, along Idanre road, some hoodlums blocked the road and looted a bus loaded with foodstuff and other household materials.
An eyewitness in the area said all the goods were carted away by the hoodlums who caused confusion in the area as some of the residents ran helter-skelter.
Eyewitnesses said, apart from looting the bus, the hoodlums abducted the three-year-old daughter of the sales representative and the hoodlum deflated her car tyres.
The sales representative explained that he was taking his daughter to school when the incident happened and the hoodlums blocked him and emptied all the goods in the vehicle.
He said he was not selling today as a mark of respect for the festival that forbids the opening of shops, markets, buying and selling.
After two hours, some good-spirited people in the area followed the boys and were able to unite the small girl with her father.
When contacted over the incident, the Deji of Akure spokesman, Mr Michael Adeyeye said the palace was not aware of the incident.
He promised that proper investigation would be done to unmask the perpetrator for necessary traditional actions.
The Palace of the Deji of Akure had on Wednesday notified the residents that all markets, shops and stores in Akure will be shut today.
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