The Building Materials International Market, Ogidi in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State was the site of the demolition of shanties and illegal construction by members of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra Brigade.
On Wednesday, they flooded the market in large numbers and started demolishing right away.
The exercise, according to OCHA Brigade’s managing director, Mr. Celestine Anere, was to clear out the illegal buildings that local lawbreakers and hoodlums were thought to use as dens.
Anere claimed that the criminal elements have been terrorizing locals and vendors who come to the market to conduct business, and occasionally kidnapping and hurting innocent people.
He claimed that the Special Enforcement Team of the Brigade carried out the operation to remove all criminals operating in the Ogidi and Ogbunike axis.
He declared, “The Special Enforcement Team launched ‘Operation Clean Anambra’ on Tuesday in an effort to clear out all illegal structures from the markets and bring the state’s sanity back. The state is being terrorized by the criminal elements who have made use of these illegal structures as hideouts.
“These criminals who are terrorizing the neighborhood have been maiming people and committing horrendous crimes against business owners and innocent bystanders who are traveling the road.
“At those axes, there had been numerous instances of crimes like kidnapping and carjacking. They have developed into hubs for local organized crime informants.
For business owners who occasionally become victims of arm robbery, kidnapping, and theft, the area has remained a nightmare.
“These shanties and illegal structures were built on waterways that have obstructed the drainage system, so removing them will also help the water flow freely through the canals.
“In addition to the foregoing, it will assist in reducing traffic and clearing the area for easy vehicular movement.”
He continued by saying that the operatives would keep working to make the state safe and supportive of the state government’s agenda for a green, clean, healthy, livable, and prosperous homeland. He advised the public to contact one of the customer service lines at 07069680112, 08122554530, 08069695398, or 08120356133 with any complaints, questions, or submissions.
