However, hundreds of businesses and property worth several millions of naira have been destroyed as traders and businessmen groan.
Governor Peter Mbah's administration in Enugu State has commenced the demolition of Artisan Market otherwise known as goat market dominated by northern traders without providing an alternative.
Meanwhile, the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) has defended the demolition of the market, saying it is a criminal hideout.
However, hundreds of businesses and property worth several millions of naira have been destroyed as traders and businessmen groan.
The affected traders who spoke to SaharaReporters condemned the destruction of their means of livelihood, adding that the government doesn't care about the people of the state.
Oke Eze, a tricycle parts dealer said the demolition was the second time the state government would visit them with cruelty, adding that the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi first demolished the market when he wanted to forcefully take over some land.
According to the trader, after the demolition, the then governor built an estate on the land.
He said, "He then pushed us across the stream, and now this one has come again. I lost over N15 million in damage done during the first demolition. Now I have built another shop and Peter Mbah has come again and demolished it.
"His claim that criminals are hiding inside the market is the reason why he demolished hundreds of businesses and rendered people poor. Is sending people back to the villages the only way to fight crime? What is the job of the security agencies? Is it not to investigate and apprehend criminals?
“It is unfortunate that a government who has not provided the people he claims to govern with anything has been busy destroying their livelihoods.”
"How many markets have they demolished in a space of one year without providing alternatives? So many people have died of heartbreak. We are talking of bad economy and now our businesses are demolished. God will judge him. No sinner shall go unpunished," Eze lamented.
Meanwhile in justifying the demolition of the market, ECTDA Chairman, Uche Anya, said apart from selling goats, beef, foodstuffs and suya, criminal activities had long been reported in the market.
Anya, who spoke to some journalists during the demolition exercise on Wednesday, claimed that the level of crime in the environment was unprecedented, adding that “this is no ordinary market".
He said, “It has become a haven for armed robbers, kidnappers, and the trafficking of illegal weapons. There are even cells for kidnappers hidden within its walls.
“While we have no issue with legitimate cow meat traders, the real threats come from brothels, kidnapper dens, and illicit drug activities.”
“No serious government can condone what has transpired at New Artisan Market,” Anya said, adding, “This place will never exist in its former state again.”
Anya, however, said the government is making plans to relocate the legitimate cow and goat traders to a more suitable environment, adding that arrangements are being finalised with the market’s leaders.
Follow the Sahara Reporters channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaFClvtH5JM6SSsP7M2Y