Traders at a commercial plaza in Onitsha, Anambra State, have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, seeking investigation into alleged threats, intimidation and the demolition of buildings linked to a dispute over the leadership and ownership of the market.
The traders, under the Association of Modebeb Traders, said they had faced harassment for about two years, alleging that some individuals had used their connections with security agencies to intimidate members and disrupt their businesses.
Speaking on behalf of the traders In Abuja, Chief Okey Muojekwu alleged that the plaza where they operated was demolished in 2025, affecting several businesses and investors.
He said four buildings, including properties identified as numbers 77 and 79, were affected.
Muojekwu also alleged irregularities in some property documents, including an alleged change in the ownership name from Osumakan Model Ventures, and called for an investigation to establish the legitimate ownership of the properties.
He further alleged that some traders had been subjected to intimidation by individuals claiming connections with security agencies.
Muojekwu also said he was recently attacked and stabbed by suspected thugs and had reported the incident to the police.
Another trader, Mr Tochukwu Umeh, said the dispute was also connected to disagreements over the leadership of the market following the removal of some market leaders by the Anambra State Government.
Umeh said the disagreement had affected the administration of the market and created difficulties for traders, urging relevant authorities to clarify the leadership structure and restore normal business activities.
A patron of the market, Mr Onyeka Oguejiofor, also alleged that some individuals had taken over shops and attempted to remove recognised traders without following due process.
Oguejiofor said the matter had been reported to the Commissioner of Police and the Police Public Relations Officer, while appeals had also been made to relevant government authorities.
The traders urged the IGP and other authorities to investigate the allegations, protect their members from further attacks and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
They said their primary objective was a peaceful resolution of the dispute, protection of their rights and the restoration of normal business activities at the market.
