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The Association of Modebe Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to intervene in a lingering dispute over market leadership, property ownership and the demolition of commercial buildings.
The traders made the appeal at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, expressing concern over the impact of the dispute on their businesses and calling for a peaceful resolution.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, Chief Okey Muojekwu said the disagreement had persisted for about two years, adding that intervention by the relevant authorities was necessary to resolve the crisis.
He said a plaza where some members conducted their businesses was demolished in 2025, affecting traders who had invested in the property.
Muojekwu said the traders were seeking clarification on the ownership of the property and the authenticity of documents relating to it.
He called on the relevant authorities to examine the documents and establish the facts surrounding the ownership dispute.
He also expressed concern over reported security incidents, disclosing that he had reported an alleged physical attack to the police.
He urged the police to investigate the incident, protect traders and prevent further escalation of the dispute.
Chairman of the market association, Mr Tochukwu Umeh, said the crisis was also linked to the state government’s decision to remove some market leaders.
According to him, some of the affected leaders had challenged the decision, arguing that they were elected by market members.
Umeh said the disagreement had affected the administration of the market and strained relations among traders.
A patron of the market, Mr Onyeka Oguejiofor, said some members were also concerned about shop occupancy and the procedures followed in changes to market leadership.
He said the traders had approached the Commissioner of Police, the Police Public Relations Officer and relevant market association officials to seek intervention.
Oguejiofor added that they had also engaged government officials responsible for trade and commerce in a bid to resolve the dispute.
He said the traders wanted a lasting solution that would protect their business interests and enable them to operate without disruption.
The traders appealed to the police and relevant state government authorities to facilitate dialogue among the parties, investigate the issues raised and ensure that the rights of all concerned were protected.
They expressed hope that the intervention would resolve the dispute peacefully and restore normal business activities.
