Yobe traders halt market demolition, seek justice

Traders and youths halted the demolition of stalls and kiosks at Bayan Tasha Market in Damaturu, Yobe State, protesting what they described as an unjust exercise. The incident occurred when a demolition team, accompanied by a bulldozer and security operatives, began pulling down structures, prompting resistance from aggrieved traders who chased them away. Sources said […]

Traders and youths halted the demolition of stalls and kiosks at Bayan Tasha Market in Damaturu, Yobe State, protesting what they described as an unjust exercise.

The incident occurred when a demolition team, accompanied by a bulldozer and security operatives, began pulling down structures, prompting resistance from aggrieved traders who chased them away.

Sources said the state government plans to clear stalls in the area to decongest the old Bayan Tasha market and enforce relocation to the newly built Ibrahim Geidam Modern Market along Potiskum Road.

Authorities had reportedly issued several notices and allocated shops and spaces to affected traders, but many refused to relocate.

Alhaji Yusuf Maikabeji, a market leader, alleged that the demolition violated due process.

“Officials asked us to remove our structures and relocate, but we are not operating on the roadside. We built on land we purchased or rented and even sought approval from YOGIS before it was halted,” he said.

Another trader, Malam Liman, said they had complied with earlier directives to maintain setbacks from roads and drainage, but were surprised by the demolition.

Responding, the General Manager of Ibrahim Geidam Modern Market, Alhaji Bulama Larema, defended the exercise, saying it is aimed at improving urban planning, security, and sanitation.

He said all traders were allocated spaces in the new market and given three months to relocate, adding that continued roadside trading is illegal and subject to enforcement.