Traders at the Ariaria International Market in Aba have raised alarm over the alleged planned demolition of the market by the Abia State government in southeast Nigeria.
The market men and women described the purported act as an exercise in futility and called on the government to focus on fixing the deplorable roads and upgrade the facility in the markets.
During a press briefing in Aba on Monday, the Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Traders in the market, Mr Michael Anibogu, condemned the alleged plan, saying that the market was their only source of income and gratuity.
He maintained that the traders would resist any attempt by the committee set up by government to demolish their shops.
In his reaction, the Chairman of the Abia State Market Development Committee, Solomon Wigwe, clarified that the state government had no intention to demolish the market.
He, however, explained that some sections were marked for demolition.
As stated by him, the sections to be brought down were the illegal structures erected on the walk ways and drainage.
Wigwe stated that the exercise would be carried out in phases and aimed to develop the existing markets to an enviable standard.
.....Channels TV