Following the expiration a three-day quit notice by the Kaduna State Government, hundreds of traders at the popular Kasuwan Barci market, early Tuesday embarked on a last-minute rush to vacate the market as the state government started demolition.
The News Agency of Nigeria correspondent, who visited the market reports that traders, mostly second-hand goods dealers were seen moving their goods out of the market.
Some of the traders, who spoke with NAN, said they were caught unawares as the Kaduna State Urban Planning Development Authority, KASUPDA, officials appeared at 3 a.m. on Tuesday and began demolition of shops.
Mustapha Mohammed, a trader said “we got information that our case has been taken to court and the demolition will not take place because it is pending in court.
“Unfortunately, the information was not true and by 3 a.m., I got a call that my shop is about to be brought down but I thank God that I could move my goods out on time.”
Another trader, Yusuf Bello said his shop was not affected by last night demolition but would take precautions to avert losses.
“I am removing my windows and doors that I can sell while I move my goods to a safe place pending when I get another shop.”
Responding, Nuhu Garba, the Public Relations Officer KASUPDA said the agency had issued several notices on the government plans for the market.
“First we issued them a three months’ notice to vacate which they did not heed to then after some months, we issued them a three days’ notice which has just expired.”
He said that the demolition was in line with the state government’s Urban Renewal Projects to make the state great again.
NAN
