Tension Mounts In Enugu Community As Council Chairman Defies Court Order, Demolishes Market

File photo

According to a report by SaharaReporters, some traders displaced in Orie Awgu Market have accused the Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State of unlawfully destroying the market.

The traders said that the local government chairman ignored a court order banning the destruction of shops in the market.

They alleged that the Council demolished the market, took over the land and sold the same to politicians despite a court order.

They noted that initial attempts by the local government to take over the market forced them to ask the court in Suit No: HAW/28/2021 to stop the action.

The matter has Adumike Moses and three others, for themselves and on behalf of the indigenous owners of Orie Market Land as plaintiffs.

The defendants in the matter include the local government chairman, Mr. Pedro Nwankwo and 11 others.  They were accused of destroying the property of the plaintiffs at Orie Daily Market, Awgu.

The traders subsequently obtained a court injunction dated December 21, 2021.

The court restrained “the defendants from further activities, pulling down, excavations, constructions, etc. on the market, subject matter of this suit pending further proceedings”.

This order, the traders noted has continuously been violated by the Council creating tension in the area.

The traders called on Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to caution the local government administration to forestall the breakdown of law and order.