Ebonyi Government Tears Down Illegal Market Structures Along Abakaliki–Afikpo Highway

Story: written by Zara November 13,2025
The Ebonyi State Government has demolished unauthorised structures at the Integrated Building Materials Market along the Abakaliki–Afikpo Highway in Abakaliki.

According to Professor Nwogo Ajuka Obasi, Commissioner for Market Development and Parks, the government had repeatedly instructed owners to remove the illegal structures, but they failed to comply. He emphasised that no one is above the law, warning that defaulters would face legal consequences.

Obasi noted that some individuals, despite their status or political influence, have ignored government directives, undermining urban planning and the state’s authority. “All markets in Ebonyi must follow their approved layouts, or risk demolition and other sanctions,” he said.

The enforcement was carried out in collaboration with the Ebonyi State Market Board, chaired by Rt. Hon. Ikechukwu Nwankwo, who confirmed that several notices had been issued to owners of unapproved structures across the state, urging voluntary compliance.

Security agencies were deployed in advance to ensure the operation ran smoothly. Obasi stated that such enforcement measures would continue until traders comply with government regulations to maintain organized and modern markets.

Also speaking, Hon. Sunday Inyima, Commissioner for Capital City Development, criticised traders for erecting structures without approval and urged them to seek authorisation from relevant authorities before construction. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to order, safety, and environmental standards across all markets and commercial areas in the state.

Others present during the exercise included members of the Ebonyi State Market Development Board: Rt. Hon Ikechukwu Nwankwo, Solomon Nwafor, Chinedu Nwoye, Friday Nwakpa, Daniel Okwuegbu, Barr. Chima, and Mr. Odo Gabriel Oyibe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Market Development and Parks.