The Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State has undertaken a significant operation to demolish illegal structures and shanties along the banks of the River Niger, specifically by Niger Street, Fegge, Onitsha.
Commencing on Sunday and extending into Monday, the operation targeted machine houses, stores, and sand beaches utilized by sand miners and traders conducting business in the area.
This latest demolition, affecting numerous equipment houses, shops, and business premises, follows closely on the heels of a similar action just a month prior, which saw over 2,300 shops demolished in the same vicinity by the council area.
According to reports gathered by our correspondent, the exercise has displaced approximately 4,000 sand miners and traders who operated within the affected zone.
The demolition was conducted under the supervision of the Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Emeka Orji, and was supported by over 15 operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Service.
Chairman Orji reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to reclaiming the land from its current occupants and clearing the area of illegal structures that mar the environment.
He 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 were observed hastily removing their equipment, including sand drilling machines, while traders were seen evacuating their commodities, such as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, food, and snacks, from the scene.
The affected individuals expressed lament over the exercise, highlighting the loss of both employment and shelter as a result of the demolition.
