Traders at Aleshinloye Market in Ibadan, Oyo State, have called on the state government to expedite the rebuilding of their shops after a devastating fire destroyed goods worth millions of naira.
The inferno, which broke out around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, ravaged the Plastic Merchants section, reducing hundreds of shops to ashes. The once-bustling market now lies in ruins, leaving traders struggling to cope with their losses and uncertain futures.
While the Oyo State government has pledged to assist affected traders, it has also ordered them not to rebuild their shops, stating that the reconstruction process will be handled by the government.
However, many traders remain skeptical, fearing that government involvement might lead to delays, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and possible loss of their shop spaces.
Speaking to Adamimogo 105.1FM, a trader who lost goods worth millions of naira expressed deep concern, urging the government to allow them to rebuild their shops independently. She warned that further delays would worsen their financial struggles, as many traders are now without means of livelihood.
Another trader raised concerns over the potential politicization of the reallocation process if the government takes over reconstruction.
He alleged that previous instances of government intervention in market spaces had led to unfair distribution, with some traders losing their original shop locations.
Adding to their frustration, traders claim that government agents, including security operatives, have been preventing them from making efforts to rebuild.
They called on the Oyo State government to fulfill its campaign promises of prioritizing the welfare of the people, arguing that the official response has not met their expectations.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that market leaders have met with government representatives to plead for a policy reversal, with a major decision expected in the coming days.
