Traders shut down Nnewi market over kidnap menace

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

AWKA—TRADERS at the popular Nkwo Nnewi market noted for the sale of motorcycle and parts yesterday closed own the market to protest the menace of kidnapping in the area.

The closure of the market was the final activity marking three days of fasting by the over 15, 000 traders during which they sought God’s intervention over incessant kidnappings in the industrial city.

The prayer was also aimed at making authorities to have a change of heart over the rumoured plan to ban Okada business in Anambra.

Chairman of New Auto Spare Parts Association, NASPA, Mr. Christopher Oboh, who addressed the traders said the recent kidnap of their chairman, Mr. Dozie Akudolu, who had been in captivity for over one month, was giving them serious concern, adding that there were other victims yet to be released by the kidnappers.

According to him, the activities of the hoodlums had instilled fears in the minds of big time businessmen in the market, most of whom, he said. had gone into hiding.

He explained that the issue was having negative effect on their businesses, adding that their customers from far and near had become afraid to come to do business in Nnewi.