Emotions ran high on Sunday as officials of the Onitsha North Local Government Council carried out the demolition of shops at the Onitsha Main Market. Traders wept and lamented as their structures were torn down
By 12:30 a.m., security operatives, including the military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Agunechemba security outfit, had blocked all roads leading to the market.
In a statement signed by Council Chairman Hon. Anthony Nwora, owners and occupants of illegal structures at Park 1, Park 2, and Park 3 were reminded that the grace period for compliance had ended. The notice, titled “Final Reminder on Demolition of Illegal Structures at Main Market, Onitsha,” stated that an initial 14-day notice had expired on February 14, 2026, and a further extension requested by occupants ran out on February 28, 2026.
While some traders had voluntarily removed their goods ahead of the deadline, many waited for last-minute government intervention.
Scavengers took advantage of the demolition, collecting iron frames and other materials, which they sold at extremely low prices.
One affected trader, Okeke Jude, recounted his ordeal: “When I heard that they had started demolishing the Main Market, I rushed to evacuate my wares around 2 a.m. On approaching the entrance, a security man demanded I ‘settle’ him, so I gave him N500. But when I reached my shop, it was already demolished with all my wares. I collapsed and left without a single item.”
Another trader, Udoka, claimed an iron structure from his shop was sold by a security operative despite his pleas. “He asked me why I did not comply with the 14-day removal order,” he sobbed.
The market remains barricaded by security personnel, and traders are unlikely to gain access on Monday.
Officials stated that the demolition targeted structures built outside approved plans, including extensions blocking access routes and drainage channels, emphasizing that the exercise was intended to restore order, safety, and sanitation, not to disrupt legitimate businesses.
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