Kaduna traders panic, as government moves to demolish major markets

There was tension all over the state, especially among the traders of Barnawa Market, as Kaduna Government moves to demolish the 60-year-old market, situated within Kaduna metropolis.

This has also led to the blockade of major routes into the market by aggrieved traders affected by the proposed demolition.

Other markets listed for demolition include, Kasuwa-Barchi, Station and Sheik Kurmin-mashi Markets.

The protesting Barnawa traders appealed to the government to desist from the proposed demolition, following the expiration of 10 days notice given to them, saying majority of them earn their livelihood from money made in the market.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Abdulahi Suleiman, chairman, Barnawa Traders Association, said: “We are appealing to the government because some of us are financially incapable of relocating and getting another shop. So, if government decides to chase us from here, then we will be left with no means of survival. This market has been established for over 60 years. I have been trading for over 30 years in this market. I am surprised that we were only given just 10-day notice to evacuate the market.”

The chairman, Tailors Union, Kaduna felt that government should have provided a better alternative from starting to demolish the market.

He said: “How can government send away such a large number from the market? I have written in my capacity as the chairman of Tailors Union to the highest authority of the organised labour, Comrade Ayuba Wabba on the development, and we are still waiting for his response.”