Anambra: Onitsha merchants petition IGP over alleged threats, plaza demolition

A gaggle in Onitsha, Anambra state underneath the auspices of Association of Modebeb Traders, has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to research alleged threats, intimidation and the demolition of economic buildings arising from disputes over the management and possession of a plaza.

The merchants who had been in Abuja on Tuesday, mentioned they’d endured persistent harassment and threats for about two years, alleging that some people had used their connections with safety businesses to intimidate members of the affiliation.

Chief Okey Muojekwu, who spoke on behalf of the merchants, made the enchantment to the IGP, alleging that the state of affairs had affected their companies and left members afraid for his or her security.

Muojekwu mentioned the plaza the place they carried out their companies was demolished in 2025, including that the incident had worsened the dispute and disrupted merchants’ livelihoods.

He alleged that 4 buildings, together with properties at numbers 77 and 79 on the identical avenue, had been demolished, affecting individuals who had invested in companies on the location.

He additional alleged that some people had altered or cast property paperwork to vary the possession identify from Osumakan Model Ventures, urging the related authorities to research and set up the rightful possession of the property.

They additionally complained that police personnel, together with officers hooked up to a particular anti-narcotics command in Onitsha, had been used to intimidate them.

Muojekwu, mentioned he was lately attacked by suspected thugs who allegedly stabbed him with a knife, including that he escaped and reported the incident to the police.

He, nonetheless, expressed concern that no efficient motion had been taken, to his data, in opposition to these accountable, alleging that threats in opposition to members had continued.

He additionally raised issues over an alleged incident involving a person recognized as Chris Okon, who was reportedly taken away alongside a girl after some people had allegedly crushed him at his residence.

According to him, the lady was detained from Friday till Monday or Tuesday earlier than she was launched.

The merchants appealed to the IGP to research the allegations, shield them from additional assaults and be sure that anybody discovered culpable was delivered to justice.

Mr Tochukwu Umeh, chairman of the market affiliation, mentioned the dispute was additionally linked to disagreements over the removing of some market leaders by the state authorities.

Umeh alleged that some people continued to occupy management positions after the federal government eliminated them, arguing that the state authorities had no proper to take away leaders elected by market members.

He mentioned the dispute had contributed to harassment of merchants and disruption of market actions, making the administration of the market troublesome.

Mr Onyeka Oguejiofor, a patron of the market, alleged that some people had taken over outlets with out following due course of and had been trying to power out recognised leaders and merchants.

Oguejiofor mentioned some merchants had been faraway from their positions or threatened with eviction with out formal discover or communication.

He alleged that these concerned had boasted of their connections with the police and their capability to behave with out penalties.

He mentioned the merchants had reported the matter to the Commissioner of Police and the Police Public Relations Officer, in addition to approached the management of the related market affiliation, however had but to see an enduring decision.

According to him, some people had been arrested and detained for a couple of week earlier than being launched, after which they allegedly resumed the actions complained about.

Oguejiofor added that the merchants had additionally approached the state authorities officers answerable for commerce and commerce, who reportedly urged compliance with the federal government’s determination on the removing of the affected leaders.

He appealed to the police and related authorities authorities to intervene, examine the allegations and be sure that merchants may conduct their companies with out intimidation.

The merchants sued for a peaceable decision of the dispute, safety of their rights and the chance to renew regular enterprise actions.