Demolition of abattoir not targeted at any ethnic group – Wike

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has said the demolition of Oginiba Abattoir Market was not targeted at any ethnic or religious group.

Wike, who spoke Friday when he inspected the ongoing demolition of the market, said anyone giving religious or ethnic colouration to the demolition of the abattoir does not mean well for Rivers State and the country.

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He maintained that besides the demolished market being a haven for criminal elements, its location at the Trans-Amadi Industrial Area is now considered inappropriate in terms of the state government’s urban renewal policy.

Wike explained that the state government decided to demolish the market because of incessant cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, rape of women and other violent crimes within the precinct of the market.

He disclosed that over the years, a large cache of weapons were amassed by criminal elements operating from the demolished market. He expressed optimism that with the demolition, residents of Oginiba will now heave a sigh of relief from the activities of criminals.