From Umar Dankano, Yola.
The Demolition of illegal structures said to be erected by traders in the Jimeta Ultra modern market embarked by the Adamawa state government has been greeted with mixed reactions from residents and traders in the state.
In a letter addressed to the chairman of Gamzaki traders union with file number ASUPDA/S.27/VOL.1/12 dated 12th September,2025 by the Adamawa state Urban & Regional Planning Board’s Secr etary.Almahadi Abba Zumo intimating the leadership and membership of the market on approval of the Governor for the demolition exercise to commence from Tuesday 16th to 18th September, 2025.
The government accused some of the traders of erecting illegal structures knows as “temporary shops” which allegedly blocked access roads in the market which should be removed, so that, the market can have conducive atmosphere and accessibility for users but they (traders) refused to obliged.
A visit to the market side by this reporter Yesterday(Wednesday) both affected shop owners and potential buyers, who are not aware of the new development were seen visibly enveloped by tension and apprehension with divagent views on the situation as some kicked against while others welcomed the idea.
Demolished shop owners like Abubakar Sa’ad and Salomi Charles expressed their dismay with the development decrying that the government should have given them enough time to get alternative ways to safe their business.
They accused the government of being harsh on them with this critical time of economic realities in the country stressing that business or trading is the only occupation they have which is a source of their livelihood.They also appeal to government to provide them with alternative place for them to continue their businesses.
In his reaction,a business tycoon in the Market, Chief Henry Okobieme welcome d the exercise describing it as a move for the betterment of the people and government.Okobieme opined that the government should provide alternative for the affected traders with a view to cushioning the pains and hardship the idea may create to the businesses.
Responding to the situation during the demolition exercise, Commissioner for Commerce,trade and Industry, Dr. Ishaya John Dabari said that the exercise is aimed to restoring the market to its original master plan frowning at the illegal structures which caused a lot of distortion to the beautiful nature of the market.
Dabari when his Mistry observed such erection of illegal structures or temporary shops, they wrote the governor for approval which was graciously granted informing the exercise for the good of all.
“As a result of demolition,the traders have lost market while the government lost revenue,so we made proposal to the Governor which he graciously gave approval to restore the market to its original master plan.
“Any individual,who acquired shop legally will not be affected as no plans for any compensation because to us their actions amount to deliberate sabotage to the good effort of the government. And l believe after the exercise, the govt. would generate more revenue as sustainable machanism will be put in place to checkmate future occurrence “. Dabari assured.
While also speaking at the demolition side, Chairman, Restoration Committee, and Director, State Urban and Regional Planning Board,T.P John Zutuwa said that the ongoing demolition exercise has so far affected over 2000 shops and still counting .
Zutuwa added that, development control team has been drafted to bring down any structure that is not on conformity with the master plan of the market.
“All development that isn’t in Conformity with the master plan must be demolished as over 2000 illegal structures have been brought down so far”. Zutuwa declared.
