The authorities of Onitsha South Local Government Area in Anambra State have embarked on a massive demolition exercise, targeting illegal structures and shanties along the banks of the River Niger in the Fegge area of Onitsha.
The operation, which commenced on Sunday and continued into Monday, resulted in the demolition of machine houses, stores, and sand beaches utilized by sand miners and traders operating in the vicinity.
Chairman Emeka Orji led the demolition, accompanied by over 15 operatives from the Anambra State Vigilante Service. This action comes on the heels of a similar exercise conducted just a month ago, which saw the demolition of over 2,300 shops in the same area.
The recent demolition has displaced an estimated 4,000 sand miners and traders who conducted business in the affected area. Orji reiterated the state government’s commitment to reclaiming the land and clearing it of illegal structures, emphasizing that warnings had been issued to the affected parties prior to the demolition.
During the operation, affected sand miners were observed hurriedly removing their equipment, including sand drilling machines, while traders were seen salvaging their commodities, including beverages and snacks, from the scene. The exercise also saw the levelling of sand beaches, exacerbating the displacement of individuals in the area.
Tensions escalated during the demolition when a fuel station marked for demolition elicited resistance from affected property owners. Vigilante operatives intervened, dispersing the agitated crowd with sporadic gunfire.
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Lucky Okoye, one of the affected individuals, lamented the loss of employment opportunities, citing the displacement of workers employed by river craft machine operators.
Mrs. Agnes Ezeh, a trader who lost her shop and commodities, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the plight of petty traders who lost their means of livelihood.
Among the companies affected by the demolition were Uche Okafor Sand Beach, Beneath Ozoemena Sand Beach, Chidi Iheme, Alhaji Danladi and Sumo, Alhaji Salusi Nnaemeka Sand Beach, Obidi Ibeanu, Daniel Eze Beaches, Amaonye, and Omekigbo Branches. The demolition also displaced over 80 workers and more than 30 shop owners in the area.
