Urban Renewal: Despite demolition, Ilọrin traders defy govt’s directives

Traders around the post office area in Ilọrin, the Kwara state capital, who have been evicted by the state government for the ongoing urban renewal project have defied the directives. The government had demolished the shops of the affected traders for encroaching on the road setbacks. But a visit by City & Crime to the […]

Traders around the post office area in Ilọrin, the Kwara state capital, who have been evicted by the state government for the ongoing urban renewal project have defied the directives.

The government had demolished the shops of the affected traders for encroaching on the road setbacks.

But a visit by City & Crime to the area on Tuesday revealed that the traders have returned to the place to resume trading despite the government’s action.

According to one of the traders, Mr Joe Ojukwu, “They have not allowed us to return but we have to eat. Now, it’s like a cat and mouse game between us and the government and they have even visited today to chase us out but here we are.”

On his part, another affected trader, Elder Akande Johanson, said “We are still here because we don’t have anywhere to go yet. So, while we are looking for an alternative place to trade, the only place we know now is here and that is why we make structures from our demolished properties.” 

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Other traders who were seen displaying their wares during the visit pleaded with the government to find a solution to their plight.

An official of the ministry of works told our correspondent that “The government is handling the situation and looking into it.’’