A horrifying incident has unfolded at the old Orie Emene Market in Enugu State, Nigeria, where an elderly woman was shot and gravely injured by members of Governor Peter Mbah’s taskforce. The woman, identified as Mama Ndu, a palm oil trader, sustained severe injuries to her left hand, raising alarm bells over the methods used by government agencies to enforce market relocations.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, when overzealous tout-enforcers, armed with pump-action guns, descended on the market to chase away women petty traders. Eyewitnesses recounted the chaotic scene, describing how the taskforce seized and destroyed goods belonging to the traders. The violence culminated in the shooting of Mama Ndu, who now faces the possibility of losing her hand due to the severity of her injury.
The Roots of the Conflict
The old Orie Emene Market was relocated during the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi due to its proximity to Akanu-Ibiam International Airport. However, petty traders have refused to vacate the area, leading to repeated confrontations with the taskforce. According to eyewitnesses, including Nwakaego Odoh and Nneka Ozichukwu, the traders were deeply frustrated by the lack of affordable alternatives and the stringent requirements imposed by the government.
Odoh narrated the events leading up to the incident, stating that the chairman of the Enugu East Local Government Area had earlier gathered the traders to address their grievances. “On Wednesday morning before I got to my business stand, the chairman of the Enugu East local government area had already seated somewhere in the market, lamenting that traders had refused to vacate the demolished old Orie Emene Market,” Odoh recounted.
The chairman informed the traders that the government of Peter Mbah did not want to see anyone trading or conducting business in and around the demolished market again. He emphasized that the space would not be sold to anyone. When asked whether they preferred the market or the airport, the traders—numbering hundreds—responded with a resounding chorus: “We want the market.” The chairman, however, reiterated that the previous administration had decided against reinstating the market in the area. “There’s new Orie Market for you people,” he stated. The traders countered, “We don’t have money to buy space. They are demanding N15,000 for a space every month. Where do we get the money after paying N36,000 tax to the State Government?”
Shortly after the chairman left, officials began fencing the old market with wire mesh and iron bars. The traders, frustrated and desperate, resisted the relocation, fearing the loss of their livelihoods.
The Violent Crackdown
The situation escalated dramatically later in the day when Governor Mbah’s taskforce, armed with pump-action guns, arrived to enforce the relocation. Eyewitnesses described how the taskforce chased the traders, seizing their goods and destroying their stalls. Chaos erupted as the taskforce began shooting, and an elderly woman, Mama Ndu, was hit. Her left hand was shattered by a bullet, leaving her bleeding profusely.
Nwakaego Odoh recounted the harrowing moments that followed: “Suddenly, they started shooting, and the next thing a woman identified as Mama Ndu, palm oil seller, fell down and started shouting. When we came close, behold the woman’s left hand had been shattered with bullet.” Tensions soared as traders and bystanders surged toward the taskforce, demanding justice. The taskforce hastily loaded Mama Ndu into their Hilux vehicle and rushed her to Annunciation Specialist Hospital in Emene.
However, due to the severity of her injuries, Mama Ndu was later transferred to the State Teaching Hospital ESUT-Parklane. Doctors at the hospital are considering amputating her hand to prevent further complications.
Silence from Authorities
In the aftermath of the incident, Governor Peter Mbah’s media office has remained silent, failing to issue an official statement condemning the violence or addressing the concerns of the traders. Similarly, SaharaReporters’ attempts to reach the State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, did not respond to calls.
The lack of official communication has only deepened the frustration and mistrust among the traders and the broader community. Many are questioning the appropriateness of the taskforce’s actions and the welfare of those affected by the relocation.
Broader Implications
This incident raises serious concerns about the use of force by government taskforces and the welfare of traders displaced by market relocations. The traders’ plight highlights the challenges faced by informal workers in Nigeria, who often lack access to affordable alternatives or financial support during transitions. The shooting of an elderly woman underscores the urgent need for more humane and transparent enforcement of government policies.
The incident also spotlights the broader issue of urban planning and the displacement of marginalized communities. While the relocation of the market was aimed at ensuring safety and compliance with aviation regulations, the manner in which it was enforced has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.
Calls for Justice and Reform
The traders, community leaders, and civil society groups are urging the government to address their grievances and ensure that justice is served. They demand that Governor Mbah’s administration take immediate steps to:
- Investigate the incident thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable.
- Provide adequate compensation and support to the affected traders.
- Ensure that the new Orie Market is accessible and affordable for all traders.
- Establish clear guidelines for market relocations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Nwakaego Odoh summed up the sentiments of many when she said, “The traders are pleading with the government to reconsider their plight and provide them with a viable alternative. They cannot survive without their businesses.”
As the dust settles on this tragic incident, the focus shifts to restoring trust and ensuring that the rights of all stakeholders are respected. The shooting of Mama Ndu has become a rallying point for those advocating for transparency, accountability, and compassion in governance. The government must act swiftly to address the concerns raised by the traders and the broader community, ensuring that justice prevails and that no one suffers unjustly.
The incident at the old Orie Emene Market serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in how government agencies enforce policies affecting vulnerable populations. As the nation grapples with these challenges, one thing is clear: the welfare of citizens must remain at the heart of all decisions, lest the promise of progress be overshadowed by avoidable tragedies.
