Victims of the Kurgiya market demolition exercise in Bukuru, Jos South local government area of Plateau State have appealed to Governor Caleb Mutfwang to provide them palliatives and an alternative market space.
The state government had demolished shops built on railway line ahead of the commencement of intra city rail transport and metro bus service to pave way for free movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Over 3,000 traders mostly women and youths were affected by the exercise which is meant to decongest the city centre and bring back the lost glory of Jos as the home of peace and tourism.
Speaking to our correspondent on the ordeals of traders in separate interviews, the chairman, Elders’ Forum, Alhaji Danlami Garba, his counterpart, Isah Aba of Plateau State Traders and Marketers Association and Mohammed Awal Aliu, the chief imam (JIBWIS) all in Jos South appealed to Governor Mutfwang to tamper justice with mercy.
“Although we cannot challenge the state government on this action, as a listening governor, we plead that government should liaise with the leadership of traders and marketers association of Jos South LGA to provide palliatives and create an enabling environment for them to relocate and continue their lawful businesses,” they said.
They also said with the demolition exercise, many traders lost their property and means of livelihood, adding that those who with hypertension died in the process while many were hospitalised and are recuperating in hospitals as a result of the shock when they received news of the demolished market.
“This development if not properly addressed will lead to increase in criminality because a lot of people have nothing to do. However, we urge the state government to put in place a mechanism for financial assistance to some of these women.
They appealed to the affected traders to remain calm and not to take the law into their hands as the state government would hopefully address their plight.
Mary Gyang and Justina Moris who spoke on behalf of the affected women also disclosed that they have widows and orphans among them who earned their living in Kurgiya market.
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