By Ifeoluwa Ogunbiyi

Citing security reasons,the coordinators had said balogun market would remain shut till Janaury 11,2021 and advised members to be understanding.

The Caretaker Management Committee of Balogun market, Lagos Trade Fair Complex announced the date shift which was earlier announced for Jan. 4, to Jan. 11, for security reasons.

Mr Leonard Ogbonnia, the Secretary of the committee, said in a statement on Sunday, in Lagos, that it would be risky to reopen the market, earlier closed on Dec. 24 for the Christmas holidays, on the stated date because of the security situation in the market.

Ogbonnia remarked that reopening the complex, as earlier scheduled, may endanger the lives and property of members, and hence the change in dates.

In his statement, he said “Regrettably, I wish to inform us that the security reports reaching the office of the caretaker committee daily are threatening, alarming and unpalatable to the original plans to reopen on Jan. 4, 2021.

“Non-opening of other neighbouring markets within the trade fair complex until Jan. 11, will equally add to security porosity of our complex, if opened.

“The committee having weighed all options, merits and demerits, therefore, decided to reopen the market on Jan. 11, to enable it to address the lurking dangers.

Ogbonna on behalf of the caretaker managment committee appealed to the traders saying “We passionately regret all inconveniences this change may cause some individuals and humbly appeal to such individuals to also consider the importance of taking preventive security measures,” he said.

He said that the committee wished to reassure the market community of its readiness to serve and make the place better for business to thrive.