By Ahmed Rahma
The popular Balogun Market in Lagos will remain shut till Monday, January 11, 2021, the leadership of the market has disclosed.
The market was shut on Thursday, December 24, 2020, and was expected to be reopened on Monday, January 4, 2021, but due to security reasons, the reopening was moved forward by one week.
The Secretary of the Caretaker Management Committee of the market, Mr Leonard Ogbonnia, explained that the security situation in the market would make it too risky to reopen the market.
“Regrettably, I wish to inform us that the security reports reaching the office of the caretaker committee on a daily basis are threatening, alarming and unpalatable to the original plans to reopen on January 4, 2021.
“Obviously, non-opening of other neighbouring markets within the trade fair complex until January 11, will equally add to security porosity of our own complex, if opened.
“The committee, having weighed all options, merits and demerits, therefore, came to a decision to reopen the market on January 11 to enable it to address the lurking dangers.
“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,” the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted Mr Ogbonnia as saying.
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Adedapo Adesanya