As part of efforts to improve aesthetics in Yenagoa and ease traffic build-up on the route leading to the State-owned Cargo Airport at Ammassoma, the Bayelsa State Government has carried out a demolition exercise on popular Tombia market located around the Etegwe area of Yenagoa.
According to eyewitnesses, the demolition team escorted by policemen, soldiers, and fierce-looking dogs began the destruction of shops, caravan, other illegal structures during the early part of Sunday morning.
When reporters visited where the market once stood, some traders were seen trying to salvage whatever they could, from various heaps of debris.
Some of them lamented that the demolition exercise took them by surprise and therefore, gave them no chance to rescue anything of value.
The demolition exercise affected all sections of the market, including the abattoir, vegetables, fruits, frozen foods spots, and motor parks.
This is not the first time the authorities in Bayelsa State would be demolishing the Tombia market, which it insists was illegal.
In a chat, the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Daniel Alabrah, said there was no pressure before now to stop traders from using the place as a market, but the situation changed owing to expected traffic that would be generated with the operations of the Bayelsa airport whose access and exit route is on the same road with the market.
According to Alabrah, several notices have been issued to the traders to vacate but they stubbornly refused to comply, insisting that the state government provide an alternative venue to do their business.
Meanwhile, as traders count their losses, some individuals have raised concerns over the possible negative social implications the development may generate, as many people who earn a living in the area which is a commercial and transportation hub have suddenly been rendered without a means of livelihood.
All efforts to get a reaction from the Ministries of Lands and Survey as well as Trade and Investment have proved abortive as of the time of filing this report.
