**Demolition of Onitsha Main Market Sparks Outrage among Traders** On Sunday, March 1, 2026, the Anambra State government, under the leadership of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, carried out a massive demolition of the popular Onitsha Main Market. The exercise, led by Emeka Orji, the mayor of Onitsha North Local Government Area, was executed despite fierce resistance from traders and stakeholders who had been pleading with the government to reconsider its decision. The Onitsha Main Market, a hub of economic activity in the South East region, was identified by Governor Soludo as a major eyesore, with many unauthorized structures constructed on drainages and areas not included in the original master plan. According to the governor, the demolition was necessary to restore the market to its intended design and glory. However, traders argued that the demolition would leave them without alternative means of livelihood, causing hardship and insecurity. **A Battle for Survival** Many traders who rushed to the market to salvage their goods were left with nothing but regret and disappointment. Speaking to our correspondent at the scene, a market stakeholder expressed shock that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) government went ahead with the demolition despite a court injunction restraining it. The stakeholder claimed that traders had begged Governor Soludo to reconsider his decision, but he remained firm. The demolition of the Onitsha Main Market has sparked widespread outrage among traders, who are now calling on the government to provide alternative arrangements for them. With many traders facing financial ruin, the situation is dire. As one trader lamented, "We thought the court order would stop the exercise, only to wake up and see the demolition in progress." **A Lesson in the Importance of Planning** The demolition of the Onitsha Main Market is a stark reminder of the importance of planning and execution in governance. While the government's intention to restore the market to its original design is commendable, the manner in which the demolition was carried out has left many traders without a means of livelihood. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns of traders and provide alternative arrangements for them. In conclusion, the demolition of the Onitsha Main Market is a complex issue that highlights the need for effective communication and collaboration between the government and stakeholders. As the people of Anambra State look to the future, they will be watching closely to see how the government will address the consequences