A group of protesters on Saturday protested the recent demolition of a section of new building materials lock up shops at Nkwo Market Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The protesters, comprising community leaders and shop owners who staged a march across the market axis, alleged that the demolition involved officials of Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB).

The protesters displayed placards with various inscriptions including, “Soludo help shop owners”, “Peter Obi help us”, “Shop Owners are dying”, “Soludo come and save Agulu people”, among others.

Speaking with newsmen, President General of the community, Sir Emmanuel Ibeneme, regretted the action, but said leadership of the community has initiated a move to ensure amicable resolution of the issue.

“Some people came from the physical planning board to destroy the shops. I was called and I came to stop the caterpillar that was pulling down the structures,” he said.

Chairman, Nkitaku Village Agulu, Basil Emegwamuo, alleged that the demolition was carried out by Peter Obi’s sibling, Damian, who had perpetuated such acts using force and intimidation over land related matters.

Although he admitted that ANSPPB had served them a notice of demolition which was to expire within 14 days, Emegwamu regretted that the act was carried out before the expiration of the notice.

Emegwamuo affirmed that the state government had given a directive requesting for relocation of Nwagu Building Material Market to Nkwo Market to decongest the Nwagu Agulu axis.

“We are pleading to the state governor to come to our aid and save us from this atrocity because we don’t want to take the law into our hands,” he added.

Also speaking, Youth Chairman of the Community, Eric Mmaduagwu condemned the act, expressing worry that the 14 days ultimatum issued by the physical planning board was yet to expire before the demolition.

According to him, he drew the attention of the Mayor of Anaocha Local Government Area, Hon Rom Ibekwe immediately he got wind of the demolition, saying he assured him of speedy intervention. (The Nation)

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