Victims of the Kurgiya market demolition in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State have appealed to Governor Caleb Mutfwang to provide palliatives and alternative market space.
The state government demolished shops built on a railway line in preparation for the commencement of intra-city rail transport and metro bus service, aiming to facilitate the free movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
The demolition affected over 3,000 traders, primarily women and youths, as part of an effort to decongest the city center and restore Jos’s reputation as a home of peace and tourism.
In separate interviews with our correspondent, Alhaji Danlami Garba, Chairman of the Elders’ Forum, Isah Aba of the Plateau State Traders and Marketers Association, and Mohammed Awal Aliu, Chief Imam of JIBWIS in Jos South, urged Governor Mutfwang to show compassion.
“Although we cannot challenge the state government on this action, as a listening governor, we plead that the government liaise with the leadership of the traders and marketers association of Jos South LGA to provide palliatives and create an enabling environment for them to relocate and continue their lawful businesses,” they said.
The leaders highlighted the severe impact of the demolition, noting that many traders lost their property and means of livelihood. Some individuals with hypertension suffered fatal consequences, while others were hospitalized due to the shock of the demolition.
“This development, if not properly addressed, will lead to an increase in criminality because a lot of people have nothing to do. However, we urge the state government to put in place a mechanism for financial assistance to some of these women,” they added.
Mary Gyang and Justina Moris, speaking on behalf of the affected women, emphasized the plight of widows and orphans who relied on their earnings from Kurgiya market.
The affected traders have been urged to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their hands, with hopes that the state government will address their concerns.