Over 2,000 traders from Ajasa Street market on Saturday protested alleged forceful merger with Oseokwodu market in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The protesters, mostly widows, also raised the alarm over heavy shootings by local vigilante group attached to a neighboring market in the process.

Led by their woman leader, Mrs Ngozi Ezediniru, the traders said they were surprised to see some armed men, attached to the Oseokwodu market, storm their market and started shooting indiscriminately that compelled traders to scamper for safety.

“Ajasa Street market has been in existence right from time immemorial. Why will the chairman of Oseokwodu market, Chief Ikechukwu Umeanozie use his security men to forcefully merge us without our consent when were are independent registered Street market. Some of us sustained various degrees of injuries and the gunmen told us that once it is 6pm every day we must shut our market as it is now under Oseokwodu market.

“We are independent street traders and we close between 9pm to 10pm daily and open about 6.30am daily. This is a residential market that is completely outside Oseokwodu market. Because we don’t have who will talk on our behalf he came with this intimidation,” she said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the street traders, Chief Chima Ohia, said the shooting was to intimidate them and merge Ajasa Street market with Oseokwodu market for the chairman selfish interests.

“We can’t be intimidated by the antics of this chairman who is desperate to make quick money before leaving office as interim chairman of Oseokwodu market. The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Obinna Ngonadi, is a no nonsense man, he will call Umeanozie to order before he kills us with guns, like he did this afternoon,” he said.

When contacted, Oseokwodu chairman, Chief Ikechukwu Umeanozie, said he was a one time chairman of the Ajasa Street market.

“It is Oseokwodu market vigilante group that guards Ajasa street market and it is under zone one of Oseokwodu market,” he stated.

The protesters carried placards with inscription, “Chan Chanji leave our market alone, you can’t because of self centeredness and money, merge us with Oseokwodu market, Governor Soludo and Commerce Commissioner should come to our rescue,” among others.(The Nation)