The Tomato Crates Dealers Association of Nigeria has issued a warning that the cost of tomatoes and peppers in Lagos could surge as the association contemplates cutting off supply to the state.
This decision comes in response to alleged damage inflicted on their goods during a clash at Ilepo market on Wednesday.
During a press briefing in Zaria on Sunday, Alhaji Ahmed Alaramma, the national chairman of the union and National Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria, highlighted the destruction incurred during the clash. He stated that over 60,000 empty tomato crates, amounting to a loss of over N360 million in investment, were destroyed during the turmoil.
Alaramma emphasized that the association rents out these crates to tomato dealers across the country and appealed to the Federal Government, Lagos State Government, and other stakeholders to address the issue and provide compensation to mitigate the impact of the damage. He further mentioned that the association is consulting with its legal team regarding potential legal actions if the government’s response is unsatisfactory.
“If nothing is done, we will have no option than to cut supply of tomatoes to Lagos over this incident,” Alaramma warned.
The clash at Ilepo Market in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State erupted on May 1 and resulted in significant damage to property and goods. Reports indicate that a section of the market was set on fire as hoodlums clashed with traders over bet money. Although normalcy has been restored to the market, the incident has left a significant impact on the operations of the Tomato Crates Dealers Association of Nigeria.
The state police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that over fifty suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, and the Commissioner of Police has directed the prompt prosecution of the arrested hoodlums to maintain peace and order in the area.
