OIE, Aku traders condemn forced demolition of shops

DDM News

Hundreds of traders in Aku, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, have lost their shops due to a government-backed demolition exercise.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the demolition was carried out under the directive of the council chairman without providing alternative spaces for the affected traders.

Many of the traders legally owned their shops or had valid rental agreements before the demolition was enforced.

This sudden action has sparked widespread outrage among residents and business owners within the local government area.

The demolition has pushed over 200 traders and their families into economic hardship and uncertainty about their future.

The President of Oganiru Igbo Etiti Local Government (OIE), a socio-political group, Mr. Ogbobe Chidera Stanley has strongly condemned the demolition as unjust and reckless.

The organization stated that destroying businesses in an underdeveloped region worsens economic struggles rather than improving community welfare.

Hon. IG Amaechi Okoro, the Secretary of Oganiru Igbo Etiti, described the demolition as an act of oppression against hardworking citizens.

Reports indicate that traders were not consulted or informed about relocation plans before their businesses were destroyed.

The loss of these shops is a significant setback for many families relying on them for daily survival.

Instead of creating new commercial spaces, the government has chosen destruction over economic empowerment for its people.

Allegations of financial extortion have emerged, further intensifying anger among the affected traders and community members.

The demolition committee, led by Boniface Ngwu and Ezeora Salem, is allegedly demanding ₦30,000 for “interest forms” from displaced traders.

Traders are also being asked to pay ₦2 million before reclaiming and rebuilding on their former shop locations.

Many of these traders already possessed government-issued documentation proving their ownership or rental status.

This financial exploitation adds another layer of injustice to the already distressing situation in Aku.

Hon. Amaechi Okoro strongly condemned the reported extortion, stating that governance should protect citizens rather than exploit them.

He criticized the lack of due process and transparency in the execution of the demolition exercise.

The leadership of Oganiru Igbo Etiti has called for an immediate halt to further demolitions in the local government.

Government actions should focus on development and not on rendering citizens homeless and financially crippled.

Responsible leadership should prioritize infrastructure expansion rather than economic destruction.

The traders affected by this demolition have called for immediate government intervention to rectify the situation.

Oganiru Igbo Etiti has urged authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue with affected traders for a fair resolution.

Hon. Okoro emphasized that governance must be centered on justice, fairness, and economic growth for all citizens.

The affected traders continue to demand answers from the local government regarding the purpose of the demolition.

Aku is one of the largest communities in Igbo-Etiti Local Government, Enugu State, Nigeria known for its commercial vibrancy.

It serves as a major market hub for traders within and outside the local government area.

Igbo-Etiti is an agrarian region with many residents engaged in farming and local trade.

The local economy relies on businesses like those demolished in Aku to sustain livelihoods.

The destruction of these businesses has heightened concerns about government policies affecting small-scale entrepreneurs.

Instead of fostering economic growth, the demolition has worsened the struggles of traders in the community.

Many residents have expressed disappointment over the government’s approach to economic development in Igbo-Etiti.

The people of Aku demand justice, accountability, and proper governance that prioritizes their welfare.

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