REPORTER: OBY ARINZE
Traders at Onitsha Main Market whose shops were marked for demolition are counting heavy losses as the exercise has officially commenced.
As early as six this morning, many traders were seen hurriedly packing their goods in a desperate effort to salvage what they could before their shops were pulled down.
The atmosphere at the market was tense and emotional, with tears and lamentations from affected business owners.
Some of the distressed traders who spoke with Radio Nigeria ,described the demolition as a devastating blow to their years of hard work and sacrifice.
Mrs. Amara Obiorah, whose shop had already been demolished, wept profusely as she spoke.
According to her, the shop was her only source of livelihood and the foundation of her hopes for a better future.
Another trader, Mr. Chisomije Onwuka, expressed frustration that no alternative location was provided before the demolition began.
He lamented that traders were left stranded without clear arrangements for relocation.
In a related development, a middle-aged man reportedly collapsed after arriving at the market and witnessing the demolition.
He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria, his wife explained that her husband has a history of high blood pressure and fainted upon seeing the destruction of a business he had built over more than thirty years.
A widow, Mrs. Chinasa Offordum, was also seen crying uncontrollably, saying that the shop was the only asset her late husband left behind for her and their five children, and she fears for their survival.
Efforts by Radio Nigeria to speak with market officials proved unsuccessful, as security personnel at the market denied newsmen access to them.
The Anambra State Government had marked over ten thousand shops for demolition as part of plans to rebuild and upgrade the Onitsha Main Market to what it described as an outstanding standard.
Although the demolition was initially scheduled for the 14th of February, the government granted traders a two-week extension which expired on the 28th of February. The demolition exercise began at midnight proper today, the 1st of March.
