Traders at Umuchieze cattle market in Umunneochi Local Government Area,have requested the Abia state government’s permission to continue conducting their genuine business within the market.
The traders, including locals from Umunneochi LGA in Abia state, as well as individuals from the Northern and Southern regions of the country, made the request in response to the state government’s initiative to transform the market into a daily operation.
The move by the Abia state government is a security measure aimed at addressing the issues of insecurity and the rising incidents of kidnapping in the Umunneochi Axis.
Chairman of the market, Alhaji Saleh Algare made the appeal when the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Kazie Ukoh led a team of journalists to the market.
Alhaji Algare commended the Abia state government for its recent efforts to combat criminal activities in the area, which resulted in the removal of shanties and brothels in the market and emphasized that the traders are law-abiding individuals engaged in lawful business and have no intention of sheltering criminals within the market.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Alex Otti for the support and hospitality extended to the northern community in the state and refuted claims that anyone had asked them to leave the state.
Alhaji Algare stated that they have peacefully coexisted with their host community, which has been hospitable towards them.
Also, the leader of the Hausa community in the state, Sarkin Yaro Danladi said they will not habor criminals in the market, and expressed readiness for further discussions with the state government on the way forward.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters on his part, clarified that the purpose of the visit was to inform the market traders of the state government’s plan to transform the market into a daily operation.
Uba emphasized that the move is aimed at ensuring the security of lives and properties of the traders, as discussed in previous meetings with the market’s leadership.
He debunked social media rumors that claimed the government ordered the eviction of traders from Abia, asserting that the government’s decision to make the market operate daily is in the best interest of the traders.
