Market sanitation officers of the Lagos State Environmental Corps on Thursday raided Tedi Market in Ojo LGA and seized goods for non-compliance with the state’s sanitation law.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the law prohibits traders from opening shops from 7a.m. to 10a.m. on Thursdays.

The closure of shops is to enable traders to clean up markets to ensure a healthy environment.

Some of the traders, whose wares were impounded at the Tedi Market, pleaded for leniency.

“We were receiving goods from suppliers who left the scene before the arrival of the officers.

“I am aware of the standing order, but our bread and yam suppliers came this morning and many of us rushed to take our goods.

“We are not selling,” Mrs Ngozi Esemonu said.

Mr Gabriel Williams, who deals on cereals, told NAN that total closure of shops was difficult.

“Some traders live in their shops; how can one living in his shop not open his or her shop?

“I want to appeal to the officers to consider most of us who are in this category. Times are hard,” Williams said.

Mr Hakeem Olawole, Leader of the sanitation officers, said that the market had become notorious for flouting environmental laws.

“Other traders will learn from those whose wares were seized.

Olawole advised traders to ensure environmental sanitation to avoid disease outbreak. (NAN)