Okechukwu Isiguzoro, a leader of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a prominent Igbo socio-cultural group, expressed the need for the Igbo community to gradually withdraw and redirect their businesses back to the South-East region.
Isiguzoro’s statement came in response to a viral video showing helpless Igbo traders at the Trinity spare parts market in Apapa, Lagos, on February 1, 2024, lamenting their inability to salvage their goods.
Isiguzoro described the situation as disheartening and stated that the organization was documenting the systematic demolition of markets predominantly occupied by Igbo people in Lagos State.
The statement from the factional Secretary General of Ohanaeze expressed disappointment over the use of state force against peaceful Igbo traders in Lagos State.
According to Isiguzoro: “In light of these distressing events, Ndigbo must acknowledge that it is now time to gradually retreat and redirect their businesses back home.
”The factional Secretary General urged President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to urgently intervene and stop future demolitions.
He added: “The relentless targeting of Igbo traders and their businesses under the guise of development is unacceptable.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo implores Igbo traders to relocate the headquarters of their businesses to Igbo land to avoid further complications arising from future market demolitions.
“We fervently urge President Tinubu and the Governor of Lagos State to demonstrate true leadership by intervening decisively to protect the rights and interests of all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity.”
