The administration of Governor Peter Mbah in Enugu State has begun demolishing the New Artisan Market, commonly known as the Goat Market, which is largely run by northern traders. The government has not offered any alternative location for the displaced vendors.
The Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) has justified the demolition, asserting that the market serves as a haven for criminal activities. However, this action has resulted in the destruction of numerous businesses and property valued in the millions, leaving traders and business owners in distress.
Affected traders have voiced strong objections to the demolition, accusing the government of disregarding their livelihoods. Oke Eze, a dealer in tricycle parts, criticized the government for what he described as repeated cruelty. He recalled that the previous administration under Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi also demolished the market to seize land, which was later used to build an estate. Eze reported losing over N15 million in damages from that incident and expressed frustration over the recent demolition, questioning the government’s approach to crime prevention and the role of security agencies.
Eze lamented the destruction of businesses and the lack of support from the government, highlighting the economic impact on the traders. “How many markets have they demolished in a year without providing alternatives? Many people are suffering and dying from heartbreak. God will judge them,” he added.
In defense of the demolition, ECTDA Chairman Uche Anya stated that the market was more than just a trading hub for livestock and foodstuffs. He claimed that it had long been associated with criminal activities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and illegal drug trafficking. Anya described the market as a significant security threat, noting that it even contained hidden cells used by kidnappers.
Anya assured that the government plans to relocate the legitimate cow and goat traders to a new, more secure location and is working with market leaders to finalize these arrangements.
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