Market Closure: Agbo-Edo New Motor Spare Parts Market Nnewi Shut As Leaders Appeal For Leniency

By Chimezie Umeh

Agbo-Edo New Motor Spare Parts Market Nnewi was shut today, Monday, 8th February, 2021, following a directive by the Anambra State Government due to non-compliance to Covid-19 safety and preventive protocols put in place to forestall the spread of the virus in the State.

The State Government had through a statement last Saturday through the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Chief Uchenna Okafor ordered the closure of the market.

During a visit by the ABS to monitor the level of compliance to the closure order, it was discovered that the sixteen gates to the market were under lock and key as some traders in the market were loitering around the vicinity.

One of the traders who spoke to the ABS, Mr Damian Ogbonna bemoaned the closure of the market and said that the State Government should have at least issued an earlier warning before the closure.

However in an interview with the ABS, the Chairman of Agbo-Edo New Motor Spare Parts Market, Bro. Dennis Ikegwuonu, The leaders of Agbo-Edo New Motor Spare Parts, Nnewi pleaded with Governor Willie Obiano for forgiveness and said they regretted their non-compliance to COVID-19 protocols.

He assured that they have now put in place very strict measures to ensure strict compliance to COVD-19 protocols.

Mr Ikegwuonu stated that his taskforce will not only be checking at the entrances of the market but also in shops and every corners of the market to make sure the traders and their customers always put on their face mask.

Speaking, the Transition Committee Chairman, Nnewi North Council, Hon Chukwudi Orizu stated that the second wave of COVID-19 gives so much for concern and that the Anambra state government had to enforce strict measures to reduce the spread which justified their action on the market closure.

He urged the Agbo-Edo traders and other traders within Nnewi to abide by the Anambra state directives so that the market will be reopened soon.