Cattle traders operating at the Umuchieze Garki cattle market have taken legal action against the Abia State government. They assert their entitlement to reside within the market premises despite the government’s ongoing efforts to revamp the market into a non-residential zone.
The cattle market dealers are determined to maintain their living arrangements within the market, however, the Abia government has made the decision to stop this practice due to security concerns.
The lawsuit marked No. HUM/9/2024 was initiated by a group of 12 individuals, which includes Sarkin Zango, Hussaini Muhammad, and Buba Kedemure, who serves as the group’s spokesperson. They are representing both themselves and the interests of cattle dealers and the market residents.
The defendants in the lawsuit included 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.
The court is set to begin hearings on March 13, 2024 regarding the application for an interim injunction filed by the applicants to halt the government’s intention to demolish residential houses in the market.
