By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Fear and panic has set in among traders at the Bridgehead Market, Onitsha, Anambra State, following indications that the gates at the entry and exit points of the market may soon be removed.

The market, whichh is in close proximity to River Niger, anchors the Building Materials market, Pharmaceutical market and the Textiles market.

A trip to the market showed traders standing in groups discussing the issue.

One of the traders who spoke on condition of anonymity claimed that the Transition Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Mr. Emeka Orji, had concluded plans to bring down the gates built during the tenure of Chief Sunday Obinze.

According to the traders, there is no genuine reason to pull down the two gates that cost over N10 million to build.

They said: “Even if the place was made to be road, they could still clear the street traders there and make use of the place especially during the day, then close the gates at night for security purposes.

“The gate is also very strategic and designated at Ogbogwu bus stop for our esteemed customers who are patronizing us.

“It passed through the centre of the market. Pulling down the gates that provide security to the flourishing multi-million naira Market might expose the entire market to unforeseen danger.”

The traders further cited the security situation in the state as superseding every other purpose of pulling down the gates, adding that Governor Chukwuma Soludo would not be happy if he hears that robbers invaded the market which provides source of income to many people in the State and equally people who pay taxes to the state.

They called on the governor to prevail on the Onitsha South LG Transition Chairman to stop the planned demolition since it would adversely affect the traders of the market.

It was however learnt that the incumbent Caretaker Committee Chairman of the market, Chinedu Ezekwike, has been served with demolition notice.

Efforts to speak with Ezekwike failed as he did not pick his calls nor returned the calls.

Orji could not also respond to our inquiries on the matter as he was not on seat when journalists visited him.

When his mobile was called, he did not pick neither did he respond to text messages.

Update news