Umuonyima community members in Owerri Municipal Council have taken to the streets to express their outrage over the recent demolition of the Old Timber Market by the Imo State Government. Community leaders and traders decry the abrupt nature of the demolition, citing insufficient notice and the devastating impact on their livelihoods.
Christian Anukam, President General of the Umuonyima community, voiced the collective frustration, stating that the demolition was executed without adequate warning, leaving traders unable to safeguard their goods. “They came and informed us just a day before the demolition with one of the governor’s aides telling us that the instruction was to bring everything down,” Anukam lamented. He emphasized that the community, which has been supportive of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration, feels betrayed by the lack of consideration shown to its members.
Echoing these sentiments, community leader Paschal Ugwuanyi highlighted the historical context, noting that the land had been designated for the market since 2007. “We just learnt that Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) officials were coming to demolish the place without properly informing the community,” Ugwuanyi remarked, expressing shock at the sudden turn of events.
The traditional head of the clan and other community leaders also criticized the impromptu notice, pleading for more time to allow occupants to secure their goods and seek alternative arrangements. They underscored the market’s significance as a vital source of daily income for both the community and the traders.
In response, the General Manager of the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), Frank Nkem, asserted that a 21-day notice had been issued prior to the demolition. He stated that during a recent visit to the area, he engaged with the market’s leadership to reiterate the need to comply with the vacate order. Nkem justified the demolition by alleging that the area had become a hub for criminal activities, including gun-running and drug peddling. He also noted that despite the official relocation of traders to the Naze Industrial Market years ago, some had refused to comply with the relocation directive.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of market demolitions in Owerri. In December 2024, an Industrial Court in Owerri restrained the Imo State Government from further demolishing the Owerri Central Market complex, following legal action by affected parties. The court ordered all parties to maintain peace and refrain from actions that could complicate the substantive suit.
The demolition of markets in Owerri has previously led to increased criminal activities. Reports indicate that following the demolition of Eke Ukwu Market, incidents of robbery and extortion surged in the area, as miscreants took advantage of the situation to loot and harass displaced traders.
Community leaders are calling on the Imo State Government to engage in more transparent and consultative processes when implementing urban development projects. They urge the government to provide adequate notice and support to affected individuals to mitigate the adverse effects on their livelihoods.
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