By Praise Chinecherem
Traders at Bridgehead market, Onitsha, Anambra State are currently in panic following rumours of government plan to demolish major entrance and exit gates of the market.
One of the traders who pleaded anonymity alleged that Transition Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Mr. Emeka Orji has completed plan to pull down the gates built during tenure of Chief Sunday Obinze.
He claimed the incumbent Caretaker Committee Chairman of the market, Chinedu Ezekwike has been served with demolition notice.
“There is no genuine reason to pull down the two gates that cost almost N10m to build.
“Even if the place was meant to be road, they can still clear the street of traders and make use of the place, especially during the day, then close the gates at night for security purposes.
“The gate which passed through the centre of the Market is very strategic and denoted as Ogbogwu bus stop for our esteemed customers who are patronizing us.
“Pulling down the gates that provide security to the flourishing multi-million naira Market might exposes the entire market to danger,” the trader said.
The traders called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to prevail on Onitsha South Local Government Chairman to halt the planned demolition, stressing that the move would adversely affect them.
“The security situation in the state supersedes every other purpose of pulling down the gates.
“We’re sure Soludo will not be happy if he hears that robbers invaded the market which provides source of income to many people who equally pay taxes to the State.
Both Chairman of the Market and Onitsha Local Government Chairman were yet to respond to the allegations as at time of filing the report.
