The people of Umuchukwu Ihie Ndume in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State have vehemently denied allegations that they are planning to burn down over 200 lock-up shops at the First Line of the Timber shade section of the Umuahia Industrial market.

Community leaders, including Chairman Mr. Nkasiobi Ikwuagwo and Chikwendu Jonah, described the allegations as "false and embarrassing" in a statement released on Wednesday.

The denial comes in response to a recent protest by traders from the First Line section, who demonstrated at Governor Alex Otti's private residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA. During the protest, traders claimed they had received threats that their shops would be set ablaze if they refused to vacate the premises.

"We have been at peace with the industrial market traders and have neither issued them quit notice nor threatened to burn down their shops," the community representatives stated. They pledged their support for Governor Otti's administration while urging the state government to investigate and identify those behind what they termed "false claims" that tarnish the community's reputation.

Traders' Concerns and Previous Protest

Earlier on Monday, traders under the aegis of First Line Timber Shade Industrial Market had arrived at Governor Otti's country home carrying placards to draw attention to their plight. Led by Daniel Obi and James Onyema, the traders claimed they had been given a quit notice despite possessing valid allocation papers issued by the Abia State government.

According to the traders, the property in question was originally acquired during the administration of former military administrator Group Captain Frank Ajebona. They further stated that the administration of former Governor Theodore Orji had paid additional compensation to the Umuchukwu Ihie Ndume community.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over land ownership and usage rights in the commercial hub of Umuahia, with both parties presenting conflicting accounts of the situation.

As the situation develops, local authorities are expected to intervene to prevent any potential escalation of the conflict between the community and market traders.

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