The state governor, Rochas Okorocha and residents of the state have been at loggerheads after he disclosed plans by his administration to demolish the market due to the serious traffic trading activities that the market causes along the road.

The Eke-Ukwu Owerri market is said to be as old as Owerri, and located just opposite the popular catholic church in Owerri, St. Paul’s. The Imo state government this morning began the demolition of Eke Ukwu market in Owerri the state capital. Armed mobile police officers accompanied government officials that are carrying out the demolition.

The incident reportedly happened following the massive deployment of soldiers around the market since yesterday evening. The elders, youths, women and traders of the Owerri Nchise, who claimed that the market is their ancestral market are stoutly resisting Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha led bulldozers.

A young boy is said to have been shot dead by the demolition squad. Owerri indigenes have argued that the market is part of their traditional heritage which should not be tampered with but rather be upgraded with today's shopping mall facilities.

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