Traders lament as Rivers govt demolishes popular abattoir market

The Rivers State Government has demolished the popular Oginigba abattoir market located at Trans Amadi in Port Harcourt, the state capital. The immediate past Chairman of the abattoir market , Musa Baba Almed, who confirmed the demolition of the market on Thursday, said on August 2, 2021, traders were asked to vacate the market premises. […]

The Rivers State Government has demolished the popular Oginigba abattoir market located at Trans Amadi in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

The immediate past Chairman of the abattoir market , Musa Baba Almed, who confirmed the demolition of the market on Thursday, said on August 2, 2021, traders were asked to vacate the market premises.

He said they were told that the State Government would relocate them to Mgbosimiri market, where a new abattoir will be constructed.

He said the traders lost millions of naira as a result of the demolition, adding that the association is making moves to present its loses to the state on the possibility of getting compensation.

He denied the allegation that the market is being used as a hideout for criminal activities, saying all the traders carry out legitimate businesses.

Leader of Hausa community in Rivers State, Alhaji Musa Saidu, had alleged that the market had been a hideout for criminals.

He blamed the past leaders of the market association for the circumstances that led to the demolition of the market.

The Rivers State Executive Council had in August 2, 2021 approved a total shut down of the market.

The council at its meeting, that was presided over by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, directing that a new project will be established at the market.