Please Listen To The Cry Of People -Man Reacts As Soludo Marks 10,000 Shops For Demolition

A visitor to the Onitsha Main Market, identified as Valentine, has appealed to the Anambra State Government to reconsider the planned demolition of shops recently marked within the market, citing concerns over livelihoods and public safety.

Valentine made the appeal during an interview with AIT News on Monday, February 2, 2026, as reports emerged that more than 10,000 shops in the Onitsha Main Market had been marked for demolition.

Speaking during his visit to the market, Valentine said his decision to come was informed by reactions he observed online. “We see the cry of the people on social media. So we decided to come and sympathize with them,” he said.

He explained that discussions with affected traders revealed that the markings were carried out without prior engagement or alternatives. “So when we talk with some people that have shops where they marked for demolition, they say that they just came and they marked for demolition,” Valentine stated.

According to him, traders said they were not offered any form of relocation or transition arrangement. “Without giving them any other alternative where to park to or where to reset to. Or any other option like that,” he added.

Valentine expressed concern over the potential consequences of demolishing shops that serve as sources of livelihood. “So we look at this and say if they should demolish people’s shops where they are eating from, without giving them alternative, we see it as a kind of bringing insecurity,” he said.

He linked loss of income to broader social risks. “Because somebody that is walking and all of a sudden he stops walking. Right? It’s a kind of making the person idle,” Valentine stated.

He added that such circumstances could push affected individuals toward uncertain survival options. “And the person will find a way to start to know any other thing to sustain in life,” he said. Appealing directly to the state government, Valentine said, “So we are begging on the governor Soludo to please listen to the cry of the people.”

While acknowledging the government’s authority, he urged restraint and consideration. “Even if you want to demolish, give them a little time to find alternative where to fix themselves,” he said. Valentine referenced prevailing economic difficulties in the country. “Because the country is not easier for anybody,” he stated.

He also questioned the feasibility of immediate relocation for traders. “So some people are here and to see shops so fast, I don’t think it’s easier,” he said. According to him, inquiries made by affected traders showed that securing new shop spaces could take a long time. “Because we’ve asked some questions. They say to find shops, it take from a year, six months or something thereabouts,” Valentine said.

He stressed that abrupt action could worsen existing challenges. “You cannot just wake up and see shops,” he added. Valentine urged authorities to consider alternatives before proceeding. “So before considering demolishing people’s shops where they are eating from, where they are feeding family from, we think of the alternative means that you have to provide for the people,” he said.

He warned that demolition without safeguards could have wider implications. “Because once you demolish, you are sending more people to the streets,” Valentine stated. He concluded by linking such outcomes to public safety concerns. “Which is in kind of bringing insecurity and a lot of more problems to the society,” he added.

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