Imo: Activists To Protest Okorocha’s ‘Bloody’ Market Demolition

Human rights activists are set to protest the bloody dispersion of traders at the ancient Eke Ukwu Market in Owerri, Imo State.

Recall that a forceful demolition of the popular market situated at Douglas Road had led to the deaths of three people when security operatives reportedly opened fire on some protesting traders at the market.

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A 10-year-old boy was among the three killed.

The group disclosed in a statement on Monday that it would converge on Imo on September 9 to protest the killings.

“Since May 2015, an unceasing string of demolition exercises has raged through the state in the name of urban renewal.

“From Wetheral to Douglas Road, to Ikenegbu, to Aladinma, to Orji Road, to Amakohia, to Akwakuma, and many other locations, agony and massive human suffering trail these inhumane exercises.

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“The majority of the demolition exercises occurred in defiance of court orders as well as pending litigation before the court of law. In September 2016, Eke-Ukwu Market traders approached the court for justice.”

One of the groups, Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), described the demolition as “lawlessness that should be unacceptable to all who believe in democracy and rule of law.”

 

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