Onitsha Traders Petition IGP over Alleged Threats, Plaza Demolition

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

A group of traders in Onitsha, Anambra, has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate alleged threats, intimidation and the demolition of commercial buildings linked to a dispute over the leadership and ownership of a market plaza.

The traders, under the Association of Modebeb Traders, said they had endured persistent harassment and threats for about two years, alleging that some individuals had used their connections with security agencies to intimidate members of the association.

Chief Okey Muojekwu, who spoke on behalf of the traders, made the appeal, alleging that the situation had affected their businesses and left members fearing for their safety.

Muojekwu said the plaza where they conducted their businesses was demolished in 2025, adding that the incident had worsened the dispute and disrupted traders’ livelihoods.

He alleged that four buildings, including properties at numbers 77 and 79, were demolished, affecting people who had invested in businesses at the location.

He further alleged that some individuals had altered or forged property documents to change the ownership name from Osumakan Model Ventures, urging the relevant authorities to investigate and establish the rightful ownership of the property.

The traders also alleged that police personnel, including officers attached to a special anti-narcotics command in Onitsha, had been used to intimidate them.

Muojekwu said he was recently attacked by suspected thugs who allegedly stabbed him with a knife, adding that he escaped and reported the incident to the police.

He, however, expressed concern that no effective action had been taken, to his knowledge, against those responsible, alleging that threats against members had continued.

He also raised concerns over an alleged incident involving a man identified as Chris Okon, who was reportedly taken away alongside a woman after some individuals allegedly beat him at his residence.

According to him, the woman was detained from Friday until Monday or Tuesday before she was released.

The traders appealed to the IGP to investigate the allegations, protect them from further attacks and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.

Mr Tochukwu Umeh, chairman of the market association, said the dispute was also linked to disagreements over the removal of some market leaders by the state government.

Umeh alleged that some individuals continued to occupy leadership positions after the government removed them, arguing that the state government had no right to remove leaders elected by market members.

He said the dispute had contributed to harassment of traders and disruption of market activities, making the administration of the market difficult.

Mr Onyeka Oguejiofor, a patron of the market, alleged that some individuals had taken over shops without following due process and were attempting to force out recognised leaders and traders.

Oguejiofor said some traders were removed from their positions or threatened with eviction without formal notice or communication.

He alleged that those involved had boasted of their connections with the police and their ability to act without consequences.

He said the traders had reported the matter to the Commissioner of Police and the Police Public Relations Officer, as well as approached the leadership of the relevant market association, but had yet to see a lasting resolution.

According to him, some individuals were arrested and detained for about a week before being released, after which they allegedly resumed the activities complained about.

Oguejiofor added that the traders had also approached the state government officials responsible for trade and commerce, who reportedly urged compliance with the government’s decision on the removal of the affected leaders.

He appealed to the police and relevant government authorities to intervene, investigate the allegations and ensure that traders could conduct their businesses without intimidation.

The traders said they wanted a peaceful resolution of the dispute, protection of their rights and the opportunity to resume normal business activities.h