A sidewalk-clearing operation turned violent on Saturday, September 6 in Godomey, in the commune of Abomey-Calavi.
Clashes broke out between law enforcement and young vendors, leaving several people injured and leading to arrests. The operation, carried out by officers from the Godomey police station as part of the national campaign to clean up public spaces, quickly turned into a confrontation.
According to information gathered on the ground, the operation aimed to clear unauthorized structures occupying the sidewalks. Items such as tables, umbrellas, and stalls were seized. Several witnesses report that these items were doused with gasoline and set on fire by the security officers, an action that allegedly stoked the vendors’ anger.
Faced with the destruction of their property, young vendors put up fierce resistance, throwing projectiles at law enforcement.
The police responded to disperse the crowd. Shots were heard, leaving at least two people injured: one hit in the hand, the other suffering eardrum injuries, according to a witness interviewed by Bip Radio.
Five people were arrested during the operation, while others managed to escape. Those arrested are expected to be brought before the appropriate authorities in the coming days.
Despite the tension on the ground, some residents praise the composure of the security forces. “Honestly, the police were really patient. They waited for orders from their superiors before they started opening fire,” a witness said.