Human Rights Activists To Storm Imo Over Killings, Market Demolition

Some human rights activists will on September 9th gather in Imo state to protest the killings which occurred during the demolition of Eke-Onuwa market in Owerri, the state capital.

Recall that three people were killed when security operatives tried to restore order after some traders protested the demolition of the market.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Monday, the activists rejected the decision of the Imo government to demolish the market.

“Since May 2015, an unceasing string of demolition exercises has raged through the state in the name of urban renewal,” Space for Change, one of the groups, said in a statement.

“From Wetheral to Douglas Road, to Ikenegbu, to Aladinma, to Orji Road, to Amakohia, to Akwakuma, and many other locations, agony and massive human suffering trail these inhumane exercises.

“The majority of the demolition exercises occurred in defiance of court orders as well as pending litigation before the court of law. In September 2016, Eke-Ukwu Market traders approached the court for justice.”