Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, over alleged threats, intimidation and the demolition of business buildings linked to a dispute over market management and property possession.
The traders, working underneath the Association of Modebeb Traders, made the enchantment at a press convention in Abuja, calling for an investigation into the allegations of intimidation and safety in opposition to additional assaults.
Speaking on behalf of the affiliation, Chief Okey Muojekwu mentioned the dispute had endured for about two years, disrupting companies and elevating issues concerning the security of members.
He alleged {that a} plaza the place the traders operated was demolished in 2025, affecting traders and enterprise homeowners. According to him, 4 buildings, together with properties at numbers 77 and 79, have been affected.
Muojekwu additionally referred to as for an investigation into alleged alterations or forgery of property paperwork, claiming that the possession identify had been modified.
He additional alleged that some people had exploited their connections with safety companies to intimidate traders, together with by way of the alleged involvement of police personnel.
The affiliation’s consultant additionally claimed that he was not too long ago attacked by suspected thugs who stabbed him with a knife. He mentioned he escaped and reported the incident to the police however remained involved concerning the alleged continuation of threats.
Chairman of the market affiliation, Tochukwu Umeh, mentioned, “the disaster was additionally linked to disagreements over the Anambra State Government’s choice to take away some market leaders”.
Umeh alleged that some affected people had continued to occupy management positions regardless of the federal government’s choice, arguing that the leaders have been elected by market members.
A patron of the market, Onyeka Oguejiofor, additionally alleged that some people had taken over retailers with out due course of and threatened traders with eviction with out formal discover.
He mentioned earlier efforts to resolve the dispute by way of the police and related authorities officers had but to supply a long-lasting resolution.
The traders urged the IGP and different related authorities to research the allegations, shield affected members and make sure that anybody discovered culpable was dropped at justice.
They mentioned their precedence was a peaceable decision of the dispute and the restoration of regular enterprise actions on the market.
