Cattle traders drags Abia Govt to Court over intension to convert market into non-residential area

Cattle merchants at the Umuchieze Garki cattle market have filed legal action against the Abia State government.

They maintain their right to live on the market grounds despite the government’s continued efforts to transform the market into a non-residential zone.

The cattle market sellers are keen to keep their living arrangements within the market, but the Abia government has decided to end this practice due to security concerns.

The case, No. HUM/9/2024, was filed by a group of 12 individuals, including Sarkin Zango, Hussaini Muhammad, and Buba Kedemure, the organization’s spokesperson. They represent not only themselves, but also the interests of livestock dealers and market dwellers.

The complaint named the state Commissioner for Lands, Chaka Chukwumerije, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, the Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government, Ndubuisi Ike, and the State Commissioner of Police as defendants.

On March 13, 2024, the court will commence proceedings on the applicants’ appeal for an interim injunction to suspend the government’s intention to demolish residential properties in the market.