There is rising tension at Oye Agu Market in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, following plans by the State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to demolish some commercial plazas over alleged violation of building regulations.
Officials of the ministry, led by Commissioner Bar Chijioke Ojukwu, reportedly issued a 14-day ultimatum to affected property owners, directing them to remove structures that encroach on the approved 9-metre road setback, in line with state physical planning laws. The ministry warned that failure to comply would result in government-led demolition.
The directive has sparked concern among traders and property developers, many of whom insist their buildings were duly approved by the relevant authorities. Some owners described the marking of their properties for demolition as surprising and disruptive to business activities, claiming they had followed due process.
However, other stakeholders within the market admitted that the original master plan of the market was altered over time, leading to indiscriminate development, particularly around the market entrance and central car park area.
The Chairman of Oye Agu Market, Ugochukwu Nwaokaka, questioned the consistency of the demolition exercise, insisting that most of the affected structures were legally approved and called for a review of the exercise.
Similarly, a property developer, Mr. Ikem Obidigbo, appealed to the government to reconsider its action, stressing that his buildings had valid approvals and met setback requirements. He urged authorities to distinguish between approved and unapproved structures.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Njikoka Local Government Area, Bar Chinedu Ononiba, has appealed for calm among traders and promised to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure a fair resolution of the matter. He also noted that the local government had previously provided infrastructure such as a traders’ hall, boreholes, and sanitation facilities to improve conditions in the market.
The situation remains tense as stakeholders await further clarification from the state government.
