Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), has justified reasons for demolishing the Artisan quarters which was designed for selling meat and cows by the Hausa/Fulani community.
According the Chairman ECTDA, Uche Anya, the market, once a bustling hub of commerce, had become a notorious criminal hideout.
“This alarming transformation led the state government to take decisive action, razing the area to the ground,” he said.
Speaking on the demolition, Anya said the area had turned to a haven for armed robbers, kidnappers, and the trafficking of illegal weapons, contrarily to what it was supposed to be.
He said: “There are even cells for kidnappers hidden within the market.
“While we have no issue with legitimate cow meat traders, the real threats come from brothels, kidnappers’ dens, and illicit drug activities.
“No serious government can condone what has transpired at New Artisan Market.”
Anya acknowledged that previous administrations had tried to tackle the problem, but unsuccessful.
He reassured the community that there were plans to relocate the legitimate cow traders to a more suitable environment.
According to Anya, there were arrangements already being finalised with the market’s leaders to ensure a smoother transition.
