- Safiu Kehinde
Angry vendors have allegedly beat up a trade fair coordinator in Lagos over poor sales.
The coordinator, who simply identified herself as Real Luxury, was alleged assaulted with her products looted at the trade fair held in Agric-Ikorodu area of the state on Sunday.
Recounting her ordeal in a video shared on Monday, the middle-aged woman narrated how some of the vendors had stormed her tent following three consecutive days of poor patronage.
She claimed to have pleaded with the vendors to wait till today for her to refund them of the N60,000 they paid for their stand.
However, one of the vendors simply identified as FT Luxury, was reported to have insisted on getting their refund on the spot.
The mother of the angry vendor also arrived at the scene charging other vendors to pack the lady’s wares if she fails to refund them immediately- a charge which, according to the trade fair coordinator led to the assault.
‘I came to Agric Trade fair with one mind, thinking we are going to sell. I came to Agric Trade fair with one spirit, thinking everything here will favour every one of us.
“I got here and brought an half stand for 60K. When I got to this trade fair, the stand they gave each vendor was small.
“I said no problem, I will pay for the balance, which is N100,000. We were all busy looking for tent, they did not see because the host was just busy with her own stuff.
“One of my sisters went to meet her and said okay no problem, she will pay for me.
“After the first day, no sales. The second day, no sales. The third day, which today (Sunday), after we finished, they came to meet me that how far about our balance.
“I told one of them, they call her FT luxury, and a woman who came to my stand , that my dear sisters please wait till we close. Wait till tomorrow, which is Monday, let me get back to my shop. Message me, I will pay your money.
“The next thing I saw from the FT luxury, who had been the kind of lady she is from the day one, she was busy doing everything, pulling, cursing me, and saying different sort of things.
“I did not talk. I was busy packing my stuff here. I told her, Madam I don’t want to have any issue with you. I will pay your money. This money is yours. I’m not absconding with it. Just allow me to get home and I’ll refund you.
“She said no that they must collect their money back right on the spot. I pleaded with her to allow get home and refund them.
“The next thing, she came over me and start dragging me. She was just saying all sort of things. The next thing, her mother came here with her to the trade fair.
“They all came here with her children. The Mama started shouting that ‘if she doesn’t pay, let’s pack her products.
“I didn’t say anything because I came here with one heart to sell my products for my children to eat and for them not to suffer.
“I left twins at home just to ensure I get something back home for them to celebrate Christmas.
“The Mama was coming, and I said if indeed you are a good mother, you won’t be saying this to me, I didn’t say I won’t pay you back.
“The next thing I know, her children challenged me. They beat me up, tore my clothes, and stoned my staff.” The trade fair coordinator recounted in the video.
This had sparked mixed reaction from netizens with some faulting the vendors action while others blamed the harsh economy over the incident.