Traders at the Ochanja Central Market, Onitsha, Anambra State, Friday protested against plans by some high-ranking individuals to construct shops on top of old and weak buildings in the area.
The protesting traders called for the immediate suspension and arrest of those behind the construction of illegal structures.
The protesters barricaded both the state’s headquarters of the Physical Planning Board, Amawbia and the gate of the State Government House, along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway, Awka.
They said they were in the state capital to appeal to Governor Willie Obiano to urgently intervene to prevent future building collapse that may lead to loss of lives and property in the market.
Speaking to journalists on behalf of the protesters, Chief Gabriel Okwuneme, accused the leadership of the market of high-handedness in handling the affairs of the market.
Addressing the protesters, the state chairman/managing director of the Physical Planning Board, Chike Francis Maduekwe, a lawyer, called for calm, assuring that their complaints would be given the attention it deserves.
