Traders in the popular Oshodi market are counting their losses after armed robbers raided their shops.

They came at the dead of the night but no one opposed them neither was there any alarm raised till day light.

This is Lagos - A Mega City that never sleeps - the reports and eyewitness accounts don't add up.

The robbers had in the last three days burgled several shops in the market, stealing goods worth millions of Naira.

Most of the items stolen were textiles materials. The robbers also carted away cash and other valuables.

The affected shops are located in Banjoko, McCarthy and Brown Streets.

It was gathered that the robbers were armed with guns and cutlasses during their operations.

No one was hurt in the incident as the robbers operated unchallenged.

It was gathered that Alhaja Fatimo Olowo was mostly hit and pratically all the textile materials in her warehouse were carted away.

When Bounce News visited the market on Wednesday, all the shops in the entire market were under lock and key.

The decision to shut the market was because the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo visited to get firsthand information on the incident.

Most buyers who had thronged the market to buy different items were disappointed.

During her interaction with the market men and women, Tinubu-Ojo appealed for calm. She said her visit to the place was to assure them that the government is on top of the situation.

Most of the trader, who were still in shock refused to comment on the incident. It was gathered that this was the first time they would experience such thing since they started selling in the market.

A resident around the area, who chose to remain anonymous, told Bounce News that the robbers were boys from the area who are not happy with some of the market men and women.

He said most of the shops that were looted belong to those people who don’t settle the Agberos.

He said, “The boys normally come around 2am to bungle the shops. They are always armed with gun and cutlasses".

It was learnt that many youths in the areas where the incidents occurred are jobless and many are reportedly involved in criminal activities.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole confirmed the incident.

He told Bounce News that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Fatai Owoseni visited the area on Tuesday.

Owoseni has ordered an investigation into the incident to uncover those behind the crime.

Source: http://news.bounce.ng/Content/bounceexclusive-mystery-armed-robbers-invade-oshodi-market-20170824

cc: Freiburger and r231

Lt.col Oscar Ibibibo must hear this.