The Ebonyi State Government has torn down unauthorized structures located along the Abakaliki–Afikpo Highway at the Integrated Building Materials Market, Abakaliki. Speaking for the government, Professor Nwogo Ajuka Obasi, the Commissioner for Market Development and Parks, stated that the government had issued repeated, unheeded directives to the owners of these illegal structures to remove them. Obasi stressed that no one, regardless of their position, is above the law, and the government will not accept actions that challenge its authority or interfere with urban planning. He expressed concern that some individuals expected to obey the law chose instead to violate government directives, believing political influence would protect them. He warned that such offenders would be fully penalized by the law. The Commissioner emphasized that all markets in the state must strictly follow their approved layouts or face demolition and other penalties.
Briefing journalists after the demolition, Obasi explained that his ministry, working with the Ebonyi State Market Board, led by Rt. Hon. Ikechukwu Nwankwo, had previously sent multiple notices to owners of unapproved structures across all markets, including the Integrated Building Materials Market Abakaliki, asking them to dismantle the structures voluntarily. He noted that security agencies had been notified beforehand, and the enforcement will continue until traders comply with government directives to achieve organized, modern markets in the State.
Additionally, the Commissioner for Capital City Development, Hon. Sunday Inyima, criticized the traders for erecting unapproved buildings and advised them to always get approval from the appropriate authorities before doing any construction in the state capital. He reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to maintaining order, safety, and environmental standards throughout all markets and commercial areas in Ebonyi State. Others who contributed during the exercise included the Chairman and members of the Ebonyi State Market Development Board, RT Hon Ikechukwu Nwankwo, Solomon Nwafor, Chinedu Nwoye, Friday Nwakpa, Daniel Okwuegbu, Barr. Chima, and Mr. Odo Gabriel Oyibe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Market Development and Parks.
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