All major markets
in the South East geopolitical zone were yesterday shut down by traders against
alleged decision of the Federal Government to transfer Boko Haram prisoners
from the north to Ekwulobia prison in Anambra State.
The one day
protest was agreed upon during a well-attended meeting of the South East
Amalgamated Traders Association held at 52 Modebe Street in the commercial city
of Onitsha on Saturday, July 4.
Participants at
the meeting were reportedly drawn from various traders’ unions and associations
in the South Eastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.
They condemned
the alleged transfer of the Boko Haram prisoners to Ekwulobia prison and asked
President Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of urgency, order the removal of the
terrorists from Igbo land.
“At our meeting
in Onitsha last Saturday, many participants were very angry over the (alleged)
attempt by the Federal Government to spread terrorism and terrorists to Igbo
land. We have made it clear that we don’t want Boko Haram prisoners anywhere in
the South East and the government has no reason whatsoever to bring them here.
Their plan is to expose us to danger and we must resist it,” one of the traders
told journalists yesterday.
In compliance,
the multi-billion naira Ogbete Main Market, Kenyatta Market and Garriki Market,
all in Enugu capital city, were under lock and key while reports from Onitsha
also said the commercial city has been totally paralyzed as all markets in the
town were shut down.
Reports from
Ebonyi State and Imo State also indicated that some markets were closed down
yesterday as the traders joined the peaceful protest.
Tension has been
heightened since the allegation of relocation of the prisoners, with several
groups and organizations demanding their immediate removal from the South East.
But the Federal Government had remained silent over the issue.
The government,
however, beefed up security around the Ekwulobia prison by deploying armed
soldiers shortly after the said arrival of the Boko Haram prisoners in the
quiet town, headquarters of Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
-Newswatch Daily