Traders at Onitsha Main Market are counting their losses after bulldozers sent by the Anambra State Government demolished their shops, leaving thousands of people stranded. The demolition, which took place on April, 2026, was carried out despite pleas from traders and stakeholders to reconsider the plan.
According to the Chairman of Onitsha Main Market Stakeholders Forum, Chief Martin Omereonye, the shops were built and sold to traders by previous state administrations and local governments over 35 years ago. The traders had allocation papers and approval from the government, making the demolition seem unjust.
Traders are lamenting the loss of their
livelihoods, with some losing shops and goods worth millions of naira. “I have not even bothered to visit the scene since after the demolition exercise for fear of collapsing on sighting my shops now reduced to rubble,” Omereonye said.
The traders had suggested relocating the Bridgehead Drug market and Iron Rod/Building materials market to create space for the Main Market traders, but the government did not accept the proposal. The demolition has sparked outrage, with traders calling for the government to reconsider its decision.
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