The Traders and sacked teachers in Kaduna State, under the former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s administration, have called on the federal and state governments to prosecute the Ex-Governor over alleged demolition of markets, homes and mass job losses during his 8 years in office.

The affected persons, who spoke under different groups, said that their means of livelihood were destroyed and their rights violated, leaving many in hardship.

Chairman of Rigasa Market Association, Alhaji Abduljaleel Abdullahi Namama, said traders were among the worst hit, alleging that markets were demolished without compensation.

“We were among the first traders whose market was demolished,” he said. “The former governor promised to pay us compensation and rebuild the market, but nothing was done, he said”

He pointed out that the once-busy commercial area had now become deserted, stressing, “Now the place has turned into a ghost town”.

Namama called on the authorities to compel the former governor to take responsibility, insisting that “we want the government to ensure that El-Rufai pays for the damage he caused; we will not vote for APC again until this is done”.

Similarly, Chairman of Kawo Market, Mohamed Idris, said many traders who once owned goods worth millions had been rendered destitute.

He said, “Some traders who had goods worth millions now have nothing because their properties were destroyed,” he said. “We were promised compensation and a new market, but nothing happened.”

He explained that the traders were now seeking justice and restitution, insisting “we want to make sure our rights are restored.”

Besides, on their part, the sacked teachers also decried what they described as unfair dismissal and unpaid entitlements.

Esther Moses, a former teacher from Romi, said she lost both her job and her home during the period.

“I worked for 18 years, but I have still not been paid my entitlements,” she said. “My house was demolished, and that led to the death of my husband.”

Another former teacher, Betty Henry, called on the government’1 to intervene and ensure they receive their dues.

“We need justice,” she said.

Also speaking, a representative of the affected residents under the auspice ot Concerned Kaduna Indigenes, Joseph Chori, alleged widespread human rights violations during the previous administration.

“These are Kaduna indigenes whose fundamental human rights have been violated,” he said. “Some of us here are also teachers who were sacked, and many had their houses demolished.”

He urged the federal government not to relent in ongoing investigations, insisting that the former governor must face justice.

“He must be brought to justice and must go to jail,” Chori said.

Another resident, Jonathan Matthew, who claimed to have suffered personal losses, warned that failure to act could have political consequences.

“If the government does not take action, we will not continue supporting APC,” he said. “If they want our votes, then justice must be done. People are suffering.”

The affected groups maintained that unless their grievances were addressed and those responsible held accountable, they would reconsider their political support in future elections.