…The demolition, however, sparked protests from traders, despite more than a month of evacuation notices issued to affected shop owners.
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Demolition of illegal structures has begun at the Onitsha Main Market in Onitsha North Local Government Area, a move officials say aims to restore the market’s original masterplan and boost commercial activities.
The demolition, however, sparked protests from traders, despite more than a month of evacuation notices issued to affected shop owners.
Our correspondent observed bulldozers tearing down marked structures at Park 1, Park 2, and Park 3, as well as parts of Bright Street, Johnson Street, and Gwomgworo. The operation, which commenced around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, is scheduled to continue on Monday.
Ahead of the exercise, security personnel including the military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other state security agents cordoned off roads leading to the market. Some traders had earlier dismantled their shops and removed their goods on Saturday in anticipation of the demolition.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Chairman of Onitsha North LGA, Anthony Nwora, said occupants had been properly informed before the enforcement, stressing that the action was aimed at reclaiming the original layout of the market and ensuring orderly “trade and shop” activities.
The notice, captioned “Final Reminder on Demolition of Illegal Structures at Main Market, Onitsha,” stated that the grace period granted to traders had elapsed. The council had initially given a 14-day notice, later extended by another 14 days at the occupants’ request, with the final deadline set for February 28, 2026.
According to the statement, demolition of illegal structures at Park 1, Park 2, and Park 3 would commence from Sunday, March 1, 2026. Traders were advised to remove their valuables before the enforcement date.
By Sunday morning, the once-busy market had been reduced to heaps of rubble, with shattered blocks, scattered roofing sheets, and damaged goods strewn across the area. Many traders were seen trying to salvage their belongings at giveaway prices.
A textile trader, Rebecca Uche, lamented that she had spent over N2 million on her shop less than six months ago and had just completed renovations before receiving the demolition notice. She said the exercise, though described as remodelling, had disrupted livelihoods and caused significant hardship.
Another trader, Ozoemenam Opara, claimed traders had secured a court injunction from Justice J.I. Nweze of the Onitsha High Court, directing parties to maintain the status quo pending a hearing scheduled for March 16. He expressed shock that the demolition proceeded despite the order.
Similarly, Okeke Akasim said he rushed to evacuate his goods at about 2 a.m., only to discover his shop had already been demolished with his wares inside, leaving him devastated.
