Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, over alleged threats, intimidation and the demolition of commercial buildings linked to a dispute over market leadership and property ownership.
The traders, operating under the Association of Modebeb Traders, made the appeal at a press conference in Abuja, calling for an investigation into the allegations of intimidation and protection against further attacks.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Chief Okey Muojekwu said the dispute had persisted for about two years, disrupting businesses and raising concerns about the safety of members.
He alleged that a plaza where the traders operated was demolished in 2025, affecting investors and business owners. According to him, four buildings, including properties at numbers 77 and 79, were affected.
Muojekwu also called for an investigation into alleged alterations or forgery of property documents, claiming that the ownership name had been changed.
He further alleged that some individuals had exploited their connections with security agencies to intimidate traders, including through the alleged involvement of police personnel.
The association's representative also claimed that he was recently attacked by suspected thugs who stabbed him with a knife. He said he escaped and reported the incident to the police but remained concerned about the alleged continuation of threats.
Chairman of the market association, Tochukwu Umeh, said, "the crisis was also linked to disagreements over the Anambra State Government's decision to remove some market leaders".
Umeh alleged that some affected individuals had continued to occupy leadership positions despite the government's decision, arguing that the leaders were elected by market members.
A patron of the market, Onyeka Oguejiofor, also alleged that some individuals had taken over shops without due process and threatened traders with eviction without formal notice.
He said previous efforts to resolve the dispute through the police and relevant government officials had yet to produce a lasting solution.
The traders urged the IGP and other relevant authorities to investigate the allegations, protect affected members and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.
They said their priority was a peaceful resolution of the dispute and the restoration of normal business activities at the market.
Onitsha traders petition IGP over alleged intimidation, demolition of buildings