By Adeyinka Adeniran
Scores of traders and business owners in Ojoo market, Akinyele local government area, Ibadan, Oyo State on Thursday lost their ventures as the state government began the demolition of structures on the path.
The demolished structures which were described as illegal had earlier been marked by the government with series of warnings and quit notices served on the owners and occupants.
The development sent panic among the traders who said they were caught unaware by the development.
The presence of security operatives including combined team of the state anti crime taskforce codenamed Operation Burst and Amotekun Corps saved the situation from blowing up into crisis as the traders express anger and dismay at the government decision.
Although, some of the traders confirmed receiving the quit notice from the government, many of them said the notice was too short for them to get another place to put up their business.
As the demolition continues, some of the traders were seen trying to see what they could save from the wares while some others were seen crying and wailing for help.
The Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo while confirming the demolition said the government through his ministry had served the traders quite notice a long time ago but they refused to move out of the market, popularly called “Inside Net.”
He said the State Governor, Seyi Makinde had gone there personally to address the traders, particularly on the importance of their safety and the need to move away from the market.
He assured that the government will provide another place which is not far from the demolished structures, emphasising the danger of roadside trading.
The Chairman of “Inside Net”, Muhdeen Ganiyu fondly called Elewedu, who initially declined to comment on the situation also confirmed the receipt of the quit notice but added that the notice was too short for the traders to make any move.or decide on anything.
He said the executive members of all the affected markets would meet after the demolition exercise on the next move to make.
He said, “The quit notice was too short. All executive members of all the affected markets will soon meet. So, I cannot say anything for now.”
