By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
Authorities in Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State have crackdown on illegal structures and shanties along the River Niger, near Niger Street, Fegge, Onitsha.
No fewer than 4000 people have been displaced by the exercise.
The operation, commenced on Sunday and extended to Monday, targeting houses, stores, and sand beaches operated by sand miners and traders in the vicinity.
The latest round of demolition adds to the over 2,300 shops razed in the same area by the council just a month prior bringing the total number of displaced persons to far more than 4,000.
Supervised by Onitsha South Local Government Area Chairman, Emeka Orji, and backed by over 15 Anambra State Vigilante Service operatives, the exercise underscores the government’s commitment to reclaiming the land and eliminating illegal structures blighting the environment.
Orji said the government’s warning to vacate the area, emphasizing the seriousness of reclaiming the land from unauthorized occupation.
Orji stated, “The state government is determined to reclaim the land from its present occupiers and clear the area of illegal structures defacing the environment. The affected victims have been warned to vacate the place, but they did not take the warning seriously.”
During the demolition, affected sand miners hastily evacuated equipment, including sand drilling machines, while traders salvaged their goods, comprising beverages, food, and snacks.
However, tensions flared when a fuel station marked for demolition sparked resistance among affected owners, prompting vigilante operatives to intervene, dispersing agitators with sporadic gunfire.
Victims, such as Lucky Okoye and Mrs. Agnes Ezeh, lamented the loss of livelihoods and property, with over 20 houses housing River Craft Machines and approximately 60 shops belonging to petty traders razed in Monday’s demolition alone.
Notable establishments affected included Uche Okafor Sand Beach, Beneath Ozoemena Sand Beach, and Alhaji Danladi Sand Beach, among others, displacing hundreds of workers and shop owners.
At the site, distressed victims hurriedly removed their valuable sand drilling machines and commodities, signaling the devastating impact of the crackdown on their livelihoods.
