Gives 7-Day Ultimatum for Demolition of Shops Outside Fenced Area

By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA – The Abia State Government is consulting with experts to convert cow dung at the Lokpanta Regional Cattle Market in Umunneochi Local Government Area into biogas for roasting cow legs, heads, and skin.

Deputy General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) for Abia North, Mr. Peter Ekekwe, disclosed this during an assessment of the market’s sanitary conditions and traders’ compliance with the government’s directive to stay inside the fenced market.

Ekekwe said discussions with experts are at an advanced stage, hinting that the project might commence in a month. He expressed concern over the use of tires to roast meat due to health implications and emphasized the need for a better alternative.

“We want to stop the use of tires in roasting animals. The only delay is because we want to come up with an alternative first. We are consulting with experts on the conversion of cow dung to biogas,” Ekekwe said.

Ekekwe also expressed displeasure over the unsanitary state of the market, especially the newly constructed abattoir. He directed butchers and traders to maintain proper hygiene, warning that the government would no longer tolerate the current state of filth.

“I’m not impressed with the sanitary situation in the market, especially at the abattoir. They can do much better,” he stated.

Additionally, Ekekwe issued a one-week ultimatum to traders with shops outside the fenced market to dismantle and move inside or face demolition. He lamented that previous warnings had been ignored, assuring that the government would demolish any structure outside the fence after the deadline.

“We want every trader here to be inside the market and not outside. By next week, we will demolish all shops and goat markets outside the fence if they are not removed,” he warned.

Ekekwe explained that fencing the market enhances security, controls access, and improves aesthetics. He thanked Governor Alex Otti for his support and urged traders to comply with government directives.

Vice Chairman of the cattle market, Alhaji Abdullahi Abdullmidu, appreciated the government’s support and pledged traders’ compliance. He explained that initial resistance to the fencing project stemmed from fears of eviction but noted that security had significantly improved since its completion.

“We are happy now with what the government is doing, and we’ll obey everything they tell us to do. Initially, we thought they were going to pursue us out of this place. But now we’re convinced the government means well for us,” Abdullmidu stated.

He pledged support for Governor Otti’s administration, praising his leadership and the improved security around the market and the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway.