Tension as Demolition Begins at Onitsha Main Market

There was distress and confusion in the early hours of Sunday as demolition work began at Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State.

The exercise reportedly started around 1am, despite claims by some traders that a court order had directed that demolition should not proceed pending the hearing of a substantive case.

Witnesses said that before the operation began, security personnel, including members of the military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Agunechemba security outfit, blocked roads leading to the market.

By Sunday afternoon, parts of Johnson Street and sections of the Gwomgworo area of the market had already been pulled down, with the demolition spreading to other lines within the complex.

Some affected traders narrated their experiences. A trader, Okeke Akasim, said he rushed to the market around 2am after hearing that the demolition had started. He claimed that while trying to access the area, a security operative demanded money before allowing him to pass. According to him, by the time he reached his shop, it had already been demolished along with his goods.

Another trader, who asked not to be named, alleged that parts of his shop structure were removed and sold while he watched. He said he was told that traders had earlier been given notice to vacate and remove their property.

Observers said scavengers were seen collecting metal materials from the demolished shops. With the market still under heavy security presence, access remained restricted at the time of filing this report.

Many traders are now uncertain about when they will be allowed back into the market, as security operatives continue to maintain control of the area.

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