Following the alleged destruction of goods The Tomato Crates Dealers Association of Nigeria has threatened to cut down tomato supply to Lagos State.

This was revealed during a brief news in Zaria on Sunday, by Alhaji Ahmed Alaramma, the association’s National Chairman.

Alhaji Ahmed who is also the National Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria stated that the clash at Ile-Epo Market in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos state, which  commenced on May 1, had destroyed their investment in about 60,000 empty tomato crates.

He added that the raffia basket was initially used for conveying tomatoes to the south, however, it caused more damage to the tomatoes, hence, the introduction of plastic crates.

“Over 70 members of the association rent out the crates to tomato dealers across the country; we have over 60,000 crates which were about to be returned to the north at the market during the turmoil.

“These crates were burnt by the ‘area boys’ during the clash and they prevented our people from quenching the fire.

“We have audio-visual and other proof supporting our claims,” the chairman said.

He further said that each empty crate costs N6,000; therefore, members lost over N360 million in investment.

Moreso, he pleaded with the Federal Government, Lagos State Government and other relevant stakeholders to help solve the issue and  to also compensate the association, to reduce the effect of the damages.

In addition, he said that the association was already in touch with its legal team over available legal remedies, in the event of unfavourable responses from the government.

“If nothing is done, we will have no option than to cut the supply of tomatoes to Lagos over this incident,” he said.