It was drama at New Market, Owerri today when traders strongly repelled moves to demolish the market.
The traders flung stones, pure water satchets and other flying objects which flew in the air indiscriminately as they resisted attempts bring down the market failed.
Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State had issued a directive warning traders at the market to relocate or face demolition before December 15.
New market is one of the economic thriving areas in Owerri, Imo State.
Several appeals made to the State Government by the traders to rescind its decision on demolishing the market turned down in the same manner the appeals for the non demolition of the ancestral Eke Ukwu Owerri market was roundly rejected by the Governor.
An eye witness account said the traders merely exhibited their frustrations lamenting the implications of the forced relocation which will dislocate their business particularly at this time coming yuletide season .
However, Youths of Owerri went berserk when they strongly opposed plans by the State Government to dig big gutters in the middle of Douglas Road close to the demolished Eke Ukwu Owerri market.
The big gutters would have led to cutting off other adjoining roads and streets close to the market.
The Imo State Government had demolished the Eke Ukwu Owerri market, some buildings, expanded some roads and recently banned the operations of Keke riders.
Governor Okorocha said the actions were in line with its urban renewal programme.
