By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Traders in Anambra State on Wednesday raised the alarm over the operations of kidnappers in the state, saying that they have hideouts at a building materials market in Ogidi/Ogbunike, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The traders disclosed this during the inauguration of interim caretaker committees of Building Materials International Market Zone 2/3 Ogidi/Ogbunike; Matchet Line Association Main Market Onitsha; and Stationery, Paper and Computer Dealers Association, Onitsha.

They lamented the increasing rate of crime perpetrated on the expressway, right in front of the market by kidnappers, hard drug dealers and robbers.

They said: “All the shanties erected along the entrance gate and walls of the market are not owned by traders, but are shelters where the hoodlums operate from.”

The traders called on the State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to as a matter of urgency demolish the makeshift structures on the expressway right in front of the market in order to curb the constant menace of criminals in the area.

Speaking at the event, the new chairman of Building Materials International Market Zone 2/3 Ogidi/Ogbunike, Mr Onyebuchi Adinu, commended the efforts of the State Government in making market environments clean and conducive for commercial activities to thrive.

On his part, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Commerce and Industry, Eloka Maduekwe, enjoined the new executives to take care of the market and ensure that the interests of both traders and State Government are protected.

He gave assurance that the State Government would respond to their requests.

Inaugurating the market executive on behalf of the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr Obinna Ngonadi, the Chief Commercial Officer of the Ministry, Mrs Jossy Eboh-Nwosu, reminded the executive that being leaders did not make them kings over others but servants.

She urged them to be humble in their leadership role and also ensure they work in harmony with the government to build and modernize the market.

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