Lokoja Old Market Phone Sellers Reject Criminal Allegations, Appeal to Rebuild Shops After Demolition
Lokoja, Kogi State
The Old Market Phone Sellers Association in Lokoja has appealed to the Lokoja Local Government Authority to permit its members to rebuild their shops following last week’s demolition exercise.
The association’s chairman, Idris Danladi Ndanusa, described the demolition as a severe setback to the livelihoods of traders and expressed surprise at the action, noting that the local government and security agencies are expected to work in partnership with market stakeholders.
“The local government, along with security operatives, demolished our shops following complaints from the public. This was unexpected because we are supposed to be partners in progress,” Ndanusa said while speaking to journalists on Wednesday.
He strongly dismissed claims that the market harbours criminal elements, insisting that the traders are law-abiding citizens. “We don’t allow criminals here as some believe. On several occasions, we have handed over suspected receivers of stolen phones to the police,” he explained.
Highlighting the personal and economic impact, Ndanusa added, “We are married with children. We feed our families and pay school fees through this business. We are not thieves.”
The chairman further stressed that the association has consistently collaborated with security agencies to maintain order and discipline in the market, reporting any member found in breach of regulations.
Appealing for reconsideration, Ndanusa urged the local government to allow traders to reconstruct their shops, pointing out that many members have been left stranded and that goods worth significant amounts were destroyed during the demolition, worsening the economic challenges of affected traders.
“If granted approval, we will ensure the market remains clean and orderly. We are ready to comply with all regulations and can even sign an undertaking with the government to guarantee proper conduct and sanitation,” he said.
He also called on community leaders, stakeholders, and relevant authorities to intervene, stressing that the restoration of the shops would revive businesses, protect livelihoods, and contribute positively to the local economy.