ONITSHA NORTH LGA BEGINS DEMOLITION OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT MAIN MARKET
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Onitsha North Local Government Area has commenced the demolition of illegal structures at the Onitsha Main Market, triggering protests and anguish among affected traders.
The exercise, which began around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, is aimed at restoring the market’s original masterplan and improving trading activities within the sprawling commercial hub. Bulldozers were seen pulling down marked structures at Park 1, Park 2, and Park 3, as well as along Bright Street, Johnson Street, and Gwomgworo. The demolition is expected to continue on Monday.
Security operatives, including the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, barricaded access roads to the market before the operation commenced.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Chairman of Onitsha North LGA, Anthony Nwora, said affected occupants had been duly notified. The local government had earlier issued a 14-day evacuation notice, which was extended by another 14 days at the request of traders, with the final deadline expiring on February 28, 2026.
According to the notice, titled “Final Reminder on Demolition of Illegal Structures at Main Market, Onitsha,” enforcement would begin from March 1, 2026.
However, some traders claimed they had secured a court injunction from J I Nweze of the Onitsha High Court, directing parties to maintain the status quo pending a hearing scheduled for March 16. They expressed shock that the demolition proceeded despite the court order.
Scenes at the market showed rubble, scattered roofing sheets, and damaged goods, as traders scrambled to salvage their belongings.
A textile trader, Rebecca Uche, lamented losing a shop she said she purchased for over N2 million less than six months ago, describing the demolition as devastating to livelihoods. Another trader, Ozoemenam Opara, said many had hoped the court order would halt the exercise.
The local government maintains that the action is necessary to restore order and ensure seamless trading activities, but affected traders argue that the demolition, without providing alternatives, has caused severe economic hardship.
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