Traders lament as Anambra demolishes structures in Onitsha market

Traders in Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State, are reeling from the demolition of over 1,000 shops and structures by the state government. The exercise, which intensified over the weekend, followed the expiration of a one-month notice issued to traders and roadside business operators for obstructing traffic and the market's master plan.

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Almost 1,000 shops built by the traders with their hard-earned money have already been demolished at the National Line Plaza alone. Sometimes, I sit down and ask myself; what is the reason one is still existing in this world when what he has laboured for over the years have been reduced to rubble.

The government stated the demolition targeted unauthorized roadside shops, illegal extensions, and buildings blocking access routes. Structures along Bright Street, Johnson Street, and former park areas were among those affected. Authorities described the demolition as "long overdue."

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With over 1,000 shops demolished, it means over 1,000 families and households whose livelihoods depend on the shops have been incapacitated. Only those doing business will understand the kind of devastating blow this has caused.

However, affected traders expressed shock and devastation. Uche Iroha, a trader and market leader, reported that nearly 1,000 shops at the National Line Plaza alone were demolished. "What is the reason one is still existing in this world when what he has laboured for over the years have been reduced to rubble," he lamented, highlighting the devastating blow to over 1,000 families and households.

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Imagine, waking up one morning to see your hard-earned labour built over 30 years reduced to rubble within a twinkle of an eye. Most of these buildings and shops were built by the traders and they had the approval of local government authorities and we have been paying dues to them.

Another victim, Ms. Ijeoma, found her shop and others destroyed without prior notification. Many traders claimed they had local government approvals and had been paying dues, making the sudden destruction of their livelihoods particularly painful. The demolition team, led by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu, proceeded with bulldozers, reducing large buildings to rubble as distraught traders watched and wailed.

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long overdue and targeted at roadside shops and other unapproved buildings