Al-Makura’s demolition threat forces traders to Lafia market

Traders that earlier refused to relocate to the remodelled Lafia Market have now moved to the market in fear of the threat of demolition of their makeshift shops.

The threat was issued by Gov. Umaru Al-Makura who gave them one week to either relocate or have their makeshift shops demolished.

Al-Makura had warned that whoever did not comply with his directive would have their makeshift shops demolished in order to clear the roadside.

When the governor visited the market again, he said, “I warned you on Friday last week that you should leave the roadside along Ochenja Line, on the railway track around the Lafia Neighborhood Market, to leave the roadside and relocate to the market. You have been allocated shops but are yet to make use of them.”

He said the upgraded market was to assist the people and provide a source of livelihood to the traders, especially those that had historical ties with the over 70-year-old market, and to revive the historic market that could only be compared with the old Jos Main Market.

However, when Daily Trust visited the market on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Lafia Market Traders Association, Alhaji Sabo Barau, said they had complied with the directive of the governor and had occupied their shops and stalls inside the remodelled market before the expiration of the deadline on Friday.