Anambra State Government Demolishes Houses and Shops of Sand Miners along Niger Street

Residents and business owners in Onitsha, Anambra State, are reeling from a large-scale demolition operation by the Anambra State Government. The demolition targeted houses and stores of sand miners and traders operating along Niger Street, on the banks of the River Niger.

The demolition, which began on Sunday and continued on Monday, was supervised by Mr. Emeka Orji, Chairman of the Onitsha South Local Government. It led to the destruction of numerous homes and businesses, causing significant displacement and loss for many families.

According to Lucky Okoye, one of the victims, over 20 houses housing approximately 40 River Craft Machines were demolished, displacing workers and causing financial distress. Each River Craft Machine employed between 18 and 25 workers, adding to the scale of the impact.

Mrs. Agnes Ezeh, a trader whose shop was destroyed, mentioned that over 60 shops belonging to petty traders were also demolished on Monday. Along with the demolished sand beaches, the estimated number of people displaced reached around 760, adding to the 250 people already displaced in Sunday’s demolition.

The businesses and sand beaches affected by Monday’s demolition included Uche Okafor Sand Beach, Beneath Ozoemena Sand Beach, Chidi Iheme, Alhaji Danladi, Sumo, Alhaji Salusi Nnaemeka Sand Beach, Obidi Ibeanu, and Daniel Eze Beaches. These entities were tenants of Lake Petroleum Limited, the owner of the properties where they were located.

Additionally, other businesses like Amaonye and Okigbo Branches, with at least 80 workers, were affected, while over 30 shop owners in the area also faced displacement.

The extensive demolition has caused significant distress and upheaval among the victims, leading to widespread lamentation and uncertainty about the future of the displaced workers and traders. The Anambra State Government has yet to provide detailed reasons for the demolition or plans for the resettlement of those affected.