Relocation Of Ekeukwu: Panic Buying Of Stalls, Spaces At Relief Market, Owerri

There is panic buying of stalls and spaces at Relief Market, Owerri. The market is located along Owerri- egbu road, just a few distance from the popular Ekeukwu Owerri market which the State government intends to relocate to Egbeada in Mbaitoli LGA.

Traders at Relief market said they have noticed a rising demand for stalls and spaces at the market since the issue of relocation of Ekeukwu became intense.

A water lemon seller, Jude Ohiri told this newspaper “We noticed the increase in demand for open spaces here at Relief Market.  There is demand for stalls which have not been occupied for a very long time
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“We believe those looking for these shops at Relief Market are from Ekeukwu Owerri market that is afraid that the Imo State government will go ahead with its plans to relocate the market” he said

When our reporter visited Relief Market, there was noticeable increase in buying and selling especially food items at a popular stand called “free zone”. Most of the stalls constructed by the State government have not been occupied for long. Many attributed it to the cost which range from N1 m and above.

Efforts to speak to the leadership of the market was unsuccessful as at press time

It will be recalled that the stalls at Relief market were shared by the State government and the host community which had also put up strong agitation  some of the stalls was released to them.

The relocation of the ancestral Eke Ukwu Owerri market has become a sticking point between the indigenes who are opposed with the relocation plans and the Okorocha administration which has vowed to move the market to ease traffic logjam and decongest Owerri metropolis.