Chinedum Treasure
Over 100 traders in Oyeagu market, Abagana in Njikoka local government local government area of Anambra state have raised the alarm over alleged plot to eject them from the market.
The traders said they were informed that the ejection was to create room for renovation of the market, but expressed worry over the use of developers to carry out the renovation.
Speaking with reporters weekend, the traders said they could not afford to lose their shops to those they referred to as foreigners having acquired the shops legally and have been remitting their fees annually.
They said several of them had traded in the market for decades, with some having series of ugly incidents, including fire and robbery attacks, which many were yet to recover from.
They accused the market leadership of inactiveness, calling for the quick intervention of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
One of the victims, Bethram Ugwuona said they were not adverse to the planned renovation, but said they were prepared to handle the renovation themselves.
He said, “We were few that started this market. That was around 2000. This place, then was bush before we cleared it and made other sacrifices for the development of the market.
“We witnessed series of robbery attacks and were forced to start sleeping inside the market. Regrettably, anytime any decision is to be taken in the market, we that have been here for years are not carried along.
“Last year, we got information about the plans to renovate the market for the sake of uniformity of the shops. We were asked to contribute minimum of N400,000 each for roofing and doors.
“After the renovation same last year, in less than 3 months, we were informed that the roofing will be removed so the shops can be converted to upstairs.
“Unfortunately, I was among those their shops were gutted by fire. That was after 5years I had similar experience. I lost about N15 million to the inferno.
“They even promised to assist us with the renovation of the burnt market, but after waiting for them to no avail, I had to borrow to fix my own shop. This is the same market they’re threatening to demolish.
“That’s why we’re raising the alarm and appealing to the Governor to come to our rescue.”
Another victim, Comfort Anunyaba, a 65-year old widow lamented that efforts to reach out to the concerned authorities had been futile, calling for state government’s intervention.
“I know what I passed through to acquire this shop in 2005. We’ve been renovating the shops following the directives of the local government leadership.
“Few months ago, they informed us of plans to eject us from our shops without any alternative arrangement. They came here last Sunday when no trader was at the market and removed the roof of our shops.
“If it’s giving the market a facelift, we’re ready to handle it ourselves according to the plans. But handing our shops to developers is the one we’re not comfortable with,” she added.
Chukwudi Offor, who deals on foodstuffs said, “this is the only market we depend on for our subsistence. But recently, the Local Government started using Soludo’s name to victimize the traders.
“The same market structures they will approve today, they will threaten to eject traders from, claiming they want to develop the market through developers who are not from the government.
“Secondly, the plan is not in the interest of the traders but for their selfish interests to make money from the sales.
“Thirdly, the dividends expected to accrue to the traders are not getting to them. If you talk, they’ll deploy the Vigilante and tugs to beat you and send you away forcefully.”
Describing the development as a menace, Offor regretted that most of the traders have lost their customers in the process.
“We’re begging the governor to come to our rescue so we don’t lose the only source of our livelihood,” he said.
Reacting, Councilor Abagana Ward 1, Hon Obi Okoye Chinedu dismissed the alleged ejection as rumour, saying he was yet to be informed officially.
He however confirmed the presence of developers in the market.
“I’m not aware of any plans to eject traders from the market. Any such allegations is yet to be brought to my notice,” he said.
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