ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Lagos State governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has accused political thugs of burning Akere Spare Parts Market, Ajegunle in the Apapa area of Lagos State.
Rhodes-Vivour who made this accusation when he visited the site of the incident. He also saidno political ambition is worth anyone’s life.
In a tweet on his official Twitter page on Wednesday, the LP’s candidate in Lagos State wrote: “I am on the ground in Akere Market, Ifelodun to assess the damage done by a fire allegedly set by an arsonist & political thugs.
“This is most unfortunate. Our politics should be about ideas, not violence. Ajegunle people, do not be intimidated. We will rebuild together.”
Voiceofnaija.ng had reported that goods worth millions of naira were destroyed in the fire incident which started at about 3:28am on Wednesday.
Also, the lifeless body of a 65-year-old security guard was said to have been recovered near the scene of the incident.
Confirming the fire incident, the Director of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Adeseye Margaret, in a statement on Wednesday, said: “Upon arrival, it was discovered that rows of shops that traded in auto spare parts were well alight that led to Sari-Iganmu and Ilupeju Fire Crews of the Agency joining up to subdued the raging Fire and salvage a nearby major market Petroleum Filling Station with a fully loaded 33,000 liters PMS tanker amongst other adjoining buildings.
“However, a male adult was recovered by the Tolu Police Division of the Nigerian Police around the scene while the Lagos Neighborhood and Safety Corps and the Red Cross were also in attendance.”
Speaking further, Mr. Rhodes-Vivour said: “Lagos is built on harmony and cooperation, it is the center of excellence, despicable violence & fanning the flames of ethnic tension has no place in this beautiful state.
“We all have to live together in Lagos after the elections. No political ambition is worth the lives or livelihood of our people.
“No place should be threatened or destroyed for having differing political choices. It breaks my heart to see this happen in Lagos, it must end.”