NEWS LEVERAGE

Abia State Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Mr Kingsley Nwokocha, escaped lynching on Thursday, as traders at Ariaria International Market voiced their anger over unresolved disputes regarding shop remodelling and allocations.

The commissioner narrowly avoided a violent altercation with the traders, who accused the state government of neglecting their plight since 2021. The traders expressed frustration over the handling of the redevelopment project, particularly the actions of the contractor, Blessed Henken International, whom they accused of selling completed shops to the highest bidders, against the directives of Governor Alex Otti.

During the heated exchange, the traders made it clear that they would not accept further development until the government addressed what they called the “first mistake” the displacement of original shop owners. They claimed the injustice had caused untold suffering, with some even citing the deaths of displaced traders as a tragic consequence.

Despite efforts by Mr Nwokocha to de-escalate the situation, the meeting descended into chaos, with security forces having to intervene and escort the commissioner to safety.

The traders, however, emphasized that their opposition was not to the modernization of the market but to the current handling of the process. They presented a list of demands, including:

The involvement of multiple contractors to foster healthy competition and enhance quality;

Staged payments to ensure transparency and accountability;

Government oversight through clear prototypes, specifications, and assigned supervisors;

A price ceiling for shops at ₦5 million upon completion;

An allocation fee of no more than ₦150,000.

As of the latest update, no official statement has been released by the state government regarding the escalating situation.

Source: Enyimba FM