Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), seeking an investigation into alleged demolitions, threat to their lives and a protracted dispute over the ownership and leadership of a market plaza.

The traders, operating under the Association of Modebeb Traders, while addressing journalists in Abuja, alleged that they had endured about two years of harassment and intimidation by individuals who they claimed were exploiting their connections with security agencies to threaten members.

Chief Okey Muojekwu, who spoke on behalf of the traders, said the dispute had disrupted their businesses and left many members fearful for their safety.

He alleged that four buildings, including property at numbers 77 and 79, were demolished in 2025, resulting in significant financial losses for the affected traders.

Muojekwu also alleged that property documents had been altered or forged to transfer ownership from Osumakan Model Ventures.

He, therefore, called on the police to investigate the documents and establish the legitimate ownership of the disputed property.

He further accused some police personnel, including officers attached to a special anti-narcotics command in Onitsha, of being used to intimidate traders.

Muojekwu, while recounting his personal experience, said he was recently attacked by suspected thugs who allegedly stabbed him with a knife.

He said he escaped the attack and reported the incident to the police but had yet to see effective action against those responsible.

He expressed concern that the alleged threats had continued despite his report to the authorities.

The traders also raised concerns over an alleged incident involving a man identified as Chris Okon, whom they claimed was beaten at his residence and taken away alongside a woman.

According to Muojekwu, the woman was detained from Friday until Monday or Tuesday, when she was released.

The traders urged the IGP to investigate the allegations, protect those affected and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.

The dispute also involves disagreements over the leadership of the market association.

The association’s Chairman, Tochukwu Umeh, attributed the crisis partly to state government’s decision to remove some market leaders.

He alleged that some of those affected had continued to occupy leadership positions despite government’s decision, insisting that they had been elected by market members.

Umeh said the disagreement had heightened tensions, fuelled allegation of harassment and disrupted the administration of the market.

A patron of the market, Onyeka Oguejiofor, also alleged that some individuals had taken over shops without following due process and were attempting to displace recognised traders and leaders.

He claimed that some traders had been removed from their positions or threatened with eviction without formal notice.

According to him, those allegedly involved had boasted of their connections with the police and their ability to act without consequences.

Oguejiofor said the traders had reported the matter to the state Commissioner of Police and the Police Public Relations Officer, while also seeking the intervention of the relevant market association.

He alleged that some individuals were arrested and detained for about a week before being released, after which the disputed activities reportedly resumed.

He added that the traders had approached state government officials responsible for trade and commerce, who reportedly advised them to comply with the government’s decision concerning the affected market leaders.

The traders, therefore, appealed to the police and relevant government authorities to intervene, investigate the allegations and restore normal business activities.

They said they wanted a peaceful resolution of the dispute, protection of their rights and an end to the alleged intimidation.

The allegations could not be independently verified. No response from the police or the individuals accused was available at the time of filing this report.