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Onitsha traders are working to suffer losses as security agents have been in more than two weeks.
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The market closed as part of a substitute for fake and expired drug dealers, but traders claimed that legitimate businesses were unfairly affected.
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The closure has raised concerns about the livelihoods of millions of people who rely on the daily income of the market.
Onitsha’s traders are currently working with safety operators to shut down six major markets in the region in succession.
It is understood that Nigerian security operators have occupied the market and locked each store under the guise of closing fake drug dealers.
Affected markets include the Onitsha Drug Market, the Oduwani (Power Tools and Related) Market, the Surgical Line Market, the Pipeline Materials Market, the Ogbogwu Fashion Line Market, the Bridgehead Provision Market and part of the Timber Dealers Market.
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Micheal Okoh, a businessman, expressed frustration, saying: “They didn’t realize we were. Some even had cash in the drawer. Some people rely entirely on what they get every day to support their families.”
However, he expressed support for the government’s efforts to curb illegal drug movements, saying: “I support the government’s efforts to fight against unqualified and fake drugs. If there are any illegal drugs, please confiscate and evacuate them.”
Mr. Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate for Labor, had earlier questioned the reasons for the continual shutdown of the market. Obi is concerned that it seems too much and unreasonable to close other neighboring markets other than the popular drug market.
Obi called for an immediate reopening of the market, insisting that their continued closures have seriously affected millions of livelihoods.
“The entire Head Bridge market in Onitsha has been closed by regulators and security agencies due to allegedly suspected of trading illegal drugs in a part of the market known as Ogbo Ogwu, Ogwu’s illegal drug dealings.”
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“While a clear condemns this illegal drug trading activity and urges the government to take all necessary measures to eliminate the sale of forged items, especially drugs, and to legally prosecute perpetrators of social health and safety, my concerns and The appeal is for the immediate reopening of neighboring markets, which are also affected by the closure.”
Public affairs analyst and communications scholar at Peaceland University in Nduka Odo Enugu said the development has attracted serious attention. Odo noted that millions of people rely on these markets to earn daily income.
“I support the fight against fake drugs. It’s crucial. But closing the entire market area seems to be an overreaction.”
Illegal structures are demolished in Onitsha market
Anambra merchants have reportedly removed the illegal structure and erected a store extension on the asphalt road in the main market of Onitz, Anambra.
Felix Umerah, the head of the demolition team and marketing provost, said the exercise was carried out in accordance with the instructions of state governor Chukukwuma Soludo.
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