Onitsha Traders Ask IGP To Intervene In Market Leadership Dispute

The Association of Modebe Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to intervene in a lingering dispute over market leadership, property ownership and the demolition of commercial buildings.

The traders made the appeal at a news conference in Abuja, saying the dispute had affected their businesses and calling for a peaceful resolution.

Speaking on behalf of the traders, Chief Okey Muojekwu said the disagreement had persisted for about two years, resulting in significant losses for members of the association.

He disclosed that a plaza where some members operated their businesses was demolished in 2025, affecting traders who had invested in the property.

Muojekwu said the traders were also seeking clarification on the ownership of the property and the documents relating to it.

“We have been facing this challenge for about two years and our businesses have recorded huge losses. We are appealing to the Inspector-General to intervene so that peace can return,” he said.

Also speaking, the chairman of the market association, Mr Tochukwu Umeh, said the dispute was partly linked to the removal of some market leaders by the Anambra State Government.

According to him, some of those affected had challenged the decision, arguing that the leaders were elected by market members.

“The disagreement over leadership has affected the administration of the market. We believe leaders elected by traders should be allowed to serve,” Umeh said.

A patron of the market, Mr Onyeka Oguejiofor, said some members were also concerned about shop occupancy and the procedures followed in changing the market leadership.

He said the traders had approached the Commissioner of Police, the Police Public Relations Officer and relevant market association officials to seek intervention.

Oguejiofor added that they had also engaged government officials responsible for trade and commerce in an effort to resolve the dispute.

“We have explored all available channels to seek peace. What we want is a lasting solution that protects our businesses,” he said.

The traders urged the police and relevant state government authorities to facilitate dialogue among the parties, examine the issues raised and ensure that the rights of all concerned were respected.

They expressed hope that the intervention would resolve the dispute peacefully and restore normal business activities in the market.