UMUAHIA TIMBER TRADERS PROTEST ALLEGED ARSON THREATS.

Tension is rising at the Umuahia Industrial Market, Ahiaeke Ndume, as traders in the First Line Timber Shade Section staged a peaceful protest at Governor Alex Otti’s residence in Nvosi, Isialangwa South LGA, over alleged arson threats from the Umuchukwu community in Ihie Ndume.

The traders, numbering in their dozens and visibly agitated, said the community had issued a quit notice, claiming ownership of the market land and threatening to set over 200 lock-up shops ablaze if they failed to vacate.

Spokesman for the traders, Pastor Daniel Obi, expressed fear over an impending crisis and called on Governor Otti to intervene urgently. According to him, the land was properly acquired by the Abia State Government during the military era of Group Captain Frank Ajobena, with compensation duly paid to the host community.

“TA Orji’s administration also paid compensation when the community returned with more claims. We are not squatters; we have legal allocation papers issued by the government,” Obi said.

He described Governor Otti as a “listening leader” and explained that the traders approached the governor directly after previous attempts through market leadership structures yielded no results.

Pastor Obi warned that failure to address the threats could lead to economic hardship, disruption of livelihood, and a breach of public peace.

Chairman of the First Line Building Section, Mr. James Onyema, echoed similar concerns, stating that the market risked suffering the same fate as others that were lost due to government silence. He vowed that the traders would resist any illegal eviction or intimidation.

He further decried the imposition of market leadership under the past administration, which he said left traders without true representation.

Also speaking, retired police officer and shop owner, CSP Austin Nwosu (Rtd.), emphasized that all land belongs to the government under the Land Use Act and urged the Governor to protect traders who have been paying government-approved rates for their shops.

“The community claims they have a court judgement from Umunneochi, but this market is in Umuahia. We are not part of that case. These shops are our lifeline,” he said.

Addressing the protesters, the Chief Protocol Officer to the Governor, Mr. Uche Nwosu, assured the traders that their grievances would be communicated to Governor Otti for prompt attention. He urged calm and expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved amicably.