Over 2,000 Illegal Shops Demolishes In Jimeta Ultra Modern Market

Over 2,000 Illegal Shops Demolishes In Jimeta Ultra Modern Market

No fewer than 2,000 illegal shops and attachments erected in Jimeta ulmoderntra market in Yola North local government areas as part of measures to restore the market to its original master plan.

Mr John Juntuwa, the Chairman of the committee for restoration of the market, disclosed this while speaking to newsmen on the ongoing exercise on Wednesday in Yola, adding that the committee has engaged the service of security personnel to ensure smooth exercise.
“Illegal structures have been affecting free movement of customers and vehicles inside the market.
“Notices have been served to the traders who appealed for an extension of seven days after the expiration and were granted 14 days by Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri,” he said.
Juntuwa said the exercise going on would improve the market standard and revenue generation effort.
Also speaking, the Commissioner, Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industries, in Adamawa State, Ishaya John Dabari, said the demolition is aimed at restoring the market to its original master plan, as directed by His Excellency, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
He emphasized that no trader with a legally acquired shop has been affected by the ongoing demolition, stressed that the exercise is necessary for long-term order and development.
According to the Commissioner, the market will remain closed beyond the earlier stipulated timeframe until the demolition is fully completed. While acknowledging the temporary revenue losses.
“We held several meetings and consultations with the traders prior to this exercise. They were duly informed and alerted about the demolition, with ample publicity and reasonable notice given. Therefore, we expect a high level of compliance.
“The only two gates remain accessible in the market, as traders had blocked other entrances, making vehicular movement difficult, it had discouraged customers, caused some traders to lose business, and resulted in revenue losses for the government,” he said.
He assured the public that the government will restore all market facilities disrupted by the activities of illegal occupants.
“Security will no longer be business as usual. A new design and strategy are being developed to ensure sustained security and order in the market,” he said.
Commenting, Chief Henry Okobieme, a businessman, appealed to the state government to provide alternative space for the affected traders to continue their business.
He said failure to do so may increase the level of poverty and criminality in the state.
“We are appealing to the government to provide an alternative trading space for the victims to avoid crimes”, he said