Abia Govt shuts down 31 scrap/waste markets, bans night keke operations in Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has directed the immediate closure of scrap and waste (akpakara) markets in the state pending the proper identification of those involved in the collection and sale of scraps as well as the proper organization of the trade to eliminate associated criminal activities.

A statement signed by the State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu listed the following 31 sites as the locations shut down:

1. Port Harcourt Express Road by Tonimas Junction
2. Umuode Village by Nwanyi Moto in Osisioma
3. Port Harcourt Express Road near Harmony Park by Enyimba
4. Port Harcourt Express Road by Ubani Junction
5. Uratta Integrated Market Scrap Dealers
6. Backyard Gate Alaoji along Port Harcourt Road
7. Port Harcourt Express Road by Okwuonu junction, Uratta
8. Ariaria Market after Bakassi Office
9. Old Express by Samek Faulks Road
10. 51, PH Road by Hollywood, Aba
11. Cemetery Road by Railway
12. Weeks Road by Cemetery Road, Aba
13. 77, Clifford Road, Aba
14. Etche Road Scrap Dealers
15. School Road by Old Court
16. Constitution Crescent by John 3:16 Ministry, Aba
17. Peoples Road, Ogbor- Hill
18. SANCAS School, Ikot- Ekpene Road, Ohanze near Dan Dollars Filling Station
19. Inside Ehiere Market
20. Ikot- Ekpene Road by EZESCO Ogbor- – Hill, Aba
21. Alaoji by EASYON Filling Station Ogbor-Hill, Aba
22. Alaoji by High Two Filling Station Ogbor-Hill, Aba
23. Umuafor Federal School by Lord Chosen Church, Ogbor-Hill, Aba
24. Federal Road by Obikabia at the back of Uche Filling Station, Aba
25. Opposite Zone 6 Police Station, Ogbor-Hill, Aba
26. 3, Glass Road, by Anaemerem Hospital
27. Water Side by Umuoba Road
28. Behind Eziama Police Station, Ogbor-Hill, Aba
29. Opposite OLAS Oil, Ogbor-Hill, Aba
30. Georges Street by Bible College
31. 1b, Ozuitem Road by Ngwa Road etc

While relevant market executives and security agents are to ensure compliance with the directive on closure, leaders of the various scrap and waste market groups in the state are to meet with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Sir Michael Egwu, on Tuesday, 17th May 2022 by 11am at the State Secretariat, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia. The Management of Inner Galaxy Steel Company Ltd, Ukwa West LGA, are also invited to attend the meeting.

In a related development, the government also announced that keke operations in Umuahia the state capital is banned.

A statement signed by the Secretary to Abia State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem stated:

“Sequel to inceasant report of increase in crime perpetrated by Keke operators in and around Umuahia.

“The Governor of Abia State, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Ph.D has approved the immediate ban of tricycle (KEKE) operations in Umuahia, from the hours of 10pm to 6am daily till further notice.

“Security agencies in the State are to arrest, detain and prosecute defaulters.”