Tears as demolition of shops in Onitsha main market begins
Tears and lamentations filled the air on Sunday following the demolition of shops in the Onitsha Main market by officials of the Onitsha North Local Government Council. The Nation gathered
Tears and lamentations filled the air on Sunday following the demolition of shops in the Onitsha Main market by officials of the Onitsha North Local Government Council.
The Nation gathered that as at 12.30 am, security operatives, including the military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Agunechemba security outfit, had barricaded the roads leading to the market.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government, Hon. Anthony Nwora, the council reminded owners and occupants of illegal structures located at Park 1, Park 2, and Park 3 of Main Market, Onitsha, that the grace period granted to them had expired.
The notice, titled “Final Reminder on Demolition of Illegal Structures at Main Market, Onitsha,” stated that an initial 14-day notice had been given to the affected occupants, which expired on February 14, 2026.
According to the council, the deadline was further extended by another 14 days at the request of the occupants, with the new expiration date fixed for February 28, 2026.
While some shop owners began voluntary removals ahead of the demolition notice deadline, others were said to be awaiting last-minute government intervention before enforcement commenced.
Scavengers reportedly had a field day as they made brisk business with iron features and other wares, which they sold at giveaway prices.
A trader at the market, Okeke Jude, whose shop was affected, said he collapsed on sighting his shop razed to rubble.
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Narrating his ordeal in the hands of security operatives, Okeke said, "When I heard that they had started demolishing the Main market, I rushed to evacuate my wares around 2 am.
"On approaching the entrance to the market, a security man said I must 'settle' him before passing, and I gave him N500.
"But when I got close to my shop, it was already demolished with the wares, and I collapsed. On regaining consciousness, I left without a pin from my shop."
Another victim, who simply identified himself as Udoka, alleged that an iron structure from his shop was sold by a security operative despite his appeal.
"He asked me why I did not comply with the order that we should remove our wares within 14 days," the man sobbed.
Traders at the market might likely not gain entrance on Monday as the market had been barricaded by security operatives who took over the market over the weekend.
The government had insisted that structures erected outside approved building plans, including extensions blocking access routes and drainage channels, would be removed to restore order, safety, and sanitation within the market.
According to officials, the exercise is aimed at restoring order rather than disrupting legitimate businesses.
