The Association of Modebe Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to intervene in a lingering dispute over market management, property possession and the demolition of business buildings.
The merchants made the attraction at a information convention in Abuja, saying the dispute had affected their companies and calling for a peaceable decision.
Speaking on behalf of the merchants, Chief Okey Muojekwu mentioned the disagreement had endured for about two years, leading to vital losses for members of the affiliation.
He disclosed {that a} plaza the place some members operated their companies was demolished in 2025, affecting merchants who had invested within the property.
Muojekwu mentioned the merchants had been additionally looking for clarification on the possession of the property and the paperwork referring to it.
“We have been facing this challenge for about two years and our businesses have recorded huge losses. We are appealing to the Inspector-General to intervene so that peace can return,” he mentioned.
Also talking, the chairman of the market affiliation, Mr Tochukwu Umeh, mentioned the dispute was partly linked to the removing of some market leaders by the Anambra State Government.
According to him, a few of these affected had challenged the choice, arguing that the leaders had been elected by market members.
“The disagreement over leadership has affected the administration of the market. We believe leaders elected by traders should be allowed to serve,” Umeh mentioned.
A patron of the market, Mr Onyeka Oguejiofor, mentioned some members had been additionally involved about store occupancy and the procedures adopted in altering the market management.
He mentioned the merchants had approached the Commissioner of Police, the Police Public Relations Officer and related market affiliation officers to hunt intervention.
Oguejiofor added that they’d additionally engaged authorities officers answerable for commerce and commerce in an effort to resolve the dispute.
“We have explored all available channels to seek peace. What we want is a lasting solution that protects our businesses,” he mentioned.
The merchants urged the police and related state authorities authorities to facilitate dialogue among the many events, look at the problems raised and be certain that the rights of all involved had been revered.
They expressed hope that the intervention would resolve the dispute peacefully and restore regular enterprise actions available in the market.
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