MARCH 1 DEADLINE: EBONYI TRADERS RELOCATE THEIR GOODS HOME

Traders at Abakpa Main Market in Abakaliki Ebonyi State are packing their wares out of the market following March 1, 2020 deadline issued by the State Government for their relocation to the International Market at Abakaliki-Ogoja Expressway.

Radio Nigeria observed that many customers had difficult times purchasing goods at the market as the scene was a bit chaotic.

When traders at the market interfaced with Ebonyi State Government last week it was expected that the controversy surrounding their relocation to International Market had be resolved while their movement would be a smooth sail.

However, this is not to be as some of the traders told Radio Nigeria that they were moving their wares not to the International Market but to their homes to avoid confrontations with the State Government.

One of them, Mr. Moses Ekpa, alleged that there was no security put in place to secure his goods at the International Market, hence his decision to transfer them to his house.

Two other traders, Mr. Vin Njoku and Mr. Samson Nwaekpa, explained that they were packing their wares to their houses because they could not afford the cost of shops, which ran intro millions of Naira.

One of the customers and a commercial motorcyclist, expressed divergent views on the movement of the traders and how it would affect their business and interest.

Radio Nigeria also visited the International Market and observed that some shop owners were putting finishing touches to commence transaction in the area.

Governor David Umahi had during a meeting with the traders said the Ebonyi State Government was willing to provide land to those who were yet to get shops to enable them to construct their own lock shops.

AMECHI ODO