Traders at Oyeagu Market, Abagana, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State have appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene and stop their eviction from shops they legitimately acquired.

The traders said they were issued a sudden ejection order by the local government authorities, citing market reorganization and shop conversion to upstairs structures without consulting them. They lamented that their businesses and livelihoods are now at risk.

Traders Share Their Plight
Among the over 60 shop owners affected is Comfort Anunyaba, a 65-year-old widow, who tearfully recounted her struggle to secure the shop.

“I went through a lot to acquire this shop in 2005. Over the years, we kept renovating it as required by past administrations. Now, they are forcing us out without offering any alternatives. We have tried to reach the local government chairman, but all efforts have been fruitless.”

Another trader, Chukwudi Offor, who sells foodstuffs, described the directive as an attack on their businesses.

“They are using Governor Soludo’s name to justify their selfish agenda. If you question them, they send vigilantes and thugs to harass and forcefully eject you. Many of us have lost our customers because we no longer have stable business locations.”

For Chinedu Anunyaba, the situation is a double tragedy.

“I took a loan of N3 million to renovate my shop and restart my business after the 2024 fire incident. So far, I have only been able to repay N200,000. Now, my shop is being divided into two by a developer.”

Similarly, Bethran Ugwuona, a trader from Enugu State, said he had already suffered two fire incidents and is now facing eviction.

“I lost about N15 million last year. I borrowed money to fix my shop, and now they want to take it away from me.”

Allegations of Extortion
Some traders also accused local authorities of exorbitant levies and fraudulent practices.

According to Chinedu Ananaba, a provisions dealer who legally acquired his shop in 2020, they have been subjected to unjustified fee hikes.

“We paid N1,700 in shop dues two years ago. Last year, they increased it to N12,700, and now they are demanding N30,000. Meanwhile, they are dividing the shops and reselling them at exorbitant prices. They even claim that the official documents we have been using to make payments are now fake.”

Traders Beg Soludo for Intervention
The traders expressed frustration over their inability to speak with the council chairman, appealing to Governor Soludo to intervene on their behalf.

“Governor Soludo, please help us! These officials are working against us,” pleaded Bethran Ugwuona, supported by Stella Onyebuchi. “If the market must be upgraded, we are willing to handle it ourselves rather than allow private developers to exploit us.”

Government Response
Reacting to the traders’ outcry, Hon. Obi Okoye Chinedu, the Councilor representing Abagana Ward 1, distanced himself from the eviction order.

“I have not been officially informed about any ejection plans,” he said. “However, I am aware that some developers are currently executing projects in the market.”

As uncertainty looms, the traders remain hopeful that Governor Soludo will step in to protect their livelihoods and prevent further hardship.

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