Abia Govt Demolishes Unapproved Structures at Former Umuahia Main Market as Scavengers Move-in to Loot

The Abia State Government has demolished residential buildings at the former Umuahia main market.

A statement by the General Manager of UCDA, Mr Kingsley Agomoh, said the structures were built without government approval, adding that the demolition was part of efforts to transform Umuahia into a modern city and befitting capital.

Agomoh said the former market space was allocated to a private investor by the previous administration for the purpose of building an event centre on a Build, Operate, and Transfer, BOT, arrangement.

He regretted that the investor unilaterally repurposed the space and started developing residential duplexes and apartments, contrary to the government’s plan.

He explained that having engaged the investor in the past one year and offered a negotiated ex-gratia settlement, the government has taken over the space for the building of a modern transportation hub that would integrate bus terminals, train stations and intercity shuttles.

Meanwhile, during a visit to the demolished space, scavengers were seen roaming the area and carting away important building materials that could be useful elsewhere.