ABSG Shuts Waterside Market

From Ogbonnaya Ndukwe, Aba

Abia state government has closed the Aba Waterside market in Ogbor Hill area, just as the state government banned slaughtering of all classes of livestock in the market.

The closure of the market is sequel to the incessant vehicular accident that is recorded within the area that has led to loss of lives and property.

This is as a result of incessant fatal accidents involving heavy duty vehicles ferrying cattle and other sales items through the area, and leading to the death of innocent individuals especially along the Ogbor Hill bridge/Ikot Ekpene road end of Aba.

The local market at the Ogbor Hill, riverside popularly known as Ahia Udele was closed as it had become a death trap with several persons dying, injured or loosing their wares as the mishaps occur.
The state commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kali, said in a news briefing in Aba, that government had mapped out a new location in Ukwa West Council Area for the cattle market.
He also directed traders and slaughters to move into shops and abattoirs built at the new Good Morning market along Ngwa/road by Emelogu street, dressing that enough space and facilities have been provided for their convenience.
It will be recalled that a trailer carrying heavy load had a break failure while descending the Ogbor Hill bridge, last week, killing several persons, injuring scores more and destroying vehicles market stalls and goods displayed for sale.
The market was subsequently closed and stalls and shops erected by traders removed by members of a taskforce set up by the government on the issue.