By Chinonso Alozie

OWERRI—Affected persons in the ongoing demolition exercise by the Imo State Government along Akwakuma, have pleaded with the government to provide them with relief materials to reduce their pains, even as some begged for compensation for them to start up businesses in other areas.

Gov. Rochas Okorocha

Some of the affected persons who spoke to Vanguard yesterday, alleged that their belongings and wares exposed as a result of the exercise were damaged by rains and that they only used nylon or cartons to cover up their propery, pending when government assistance would come. The situation, they also said has created doubt as to whether they would survive under their present condition.

One of the affected persons who gave his name as Mr. Ifeanyi Nmadu, described himself as a cement dealer, whose shop is close to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church that was also was affected in the demolition exercise.

“If the government could only give me money to rent another shop, I would borrow money from other sources to augment it.”

He also claimed that his challenge now was how to feed his family and three of his cousins living with him.

Speaking also, another victim who introduced himself as Emeka Eze said he deals on phone accessories. He told Vanguard that it was not up to two years that he started the business and  alleged that he paid for two years which he claimed had not been exhausted.

He lamented that even in the process of relocating some of his goods, many got damaged because of their fragile nature.