The Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State began pulling down illegal structures at the Onitsha Main Market in the early hours of Sunday, March 1, 2026, as part of a move to return the market to its original layout and improve trading conditions.
The demolition started around 1:00 a.m., with security personnel blocking roads leading into the market while bulldozers moved in to clear marked buildings.
The exercise affected structures at Park 1, Park 2, and Park 3, as well as parts of Bright Street, Johnson Street, and Gwomgworo areas.
Officials said traders and shop owners had earlier been served notices to vacate the affected areas.
The initial 14-day notice was later extended by another 14 days after appeals from occupants. The final deadline expired on February 28, 2026.
Despite the notices, many traders expressed anger and distress as the demolition began. Some had already removed their goods and dismantled parts of their shops on Saturday to avoid total loss.
Others were caught off guard and struggled to rescue their belongings while the exercise was ongoing.
Security agents, including military personnel, members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other state operatives, were present to maintain order. Access roads were sealed off before the demolition commenced.
The Chairman of Onitsha North LGA, Anthony Nwora, had earlier stated that the action was aimed at reclaiming the approved masterplan of the market and creating a better environment for buying and selling. The local government also advised traders to move their valuables before enforcement began.
However, several traders said the process has caused hardship. Some claimed they had invested large sums of money in their shops only months earlier and had recently carried out renovations before receiving the demolition notice.
Others said they had secured a court order asking all parties to maintain the current situation until a hearing scheduled for March 16, but were shocked to see the demolition proceed.
By Sunday morning, large sections of the busy market had been reduced to piles of broken blocks, torn roofing sheets, and scattered goods. Many traders were seen picking through the rubble, trying to recover whatever they could.
Some reported losing goods worth millions of naira as their shops were brought down with items still inside.
The demolition is expected to continue as the local government moves ahead with plans to reshape the market layout, even as affected traders call for relief and alternative arrangements.