Onitsha Main Market in Ruins as Traders Weep Over Midnight Demolition of Shops Despite Warnings, Extensions

By Linda Ike

Heartbreak gripped Onitsha Main Market on Sunday as council officials razed shops in Parks 1, 2, and 3, leaving traders in tears amid heavy security lockdown.

Onitsha North Local Government Chairman, Hon. Anthony Nwora had issued a final Reminder on Demolition of Illegal Structures, noting an initial 14-day grace period expired February 14, 2026.

According to the council, the deadline was further extended to another 14 days to February 28, 2026. By midnight, military, NSCDC, and Agunechemba security sealed roads, blocking access.

Some shop owners removed goods voluntarily ahead of the demolition notice deadline. Others were said to be hoping for last minute government intervention before enforcement commenced.

A trader at the market, Okeke Jude who narrated his ordeal said when he heard about the demolition, he rushed to save his wares at 2 a.m., but a security man demanded N500 to pass.

He said when he paid and arrived to rubble: “I collapsed on sighting my shop already demolished. On regaining consciousness, I left without a pin from my shop.”

Another victim who identified himself as Udoka sobbed that a security operative sold his iron structure despite begs.

“He asked why I didn’t comply in 14 days order,” the man said

Scavengers cashed in, hawking salvaged irons and wares at rock-bottom prices.

Government had insisted the crackdown targets illegal extensions blocking access routes and drainage channels to boost safety, sanitation, and order, not harm legit business.

Traders at the market might likely not gain entrance on Monday, with security operatives holding the site.