Ini Billie, Uyo
Four officials from the team of the Ministry of Environment and Solid Minerals who took part in the demolition of illegal markets in the Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have been attacked by some persons opposing the exercise.
The Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals, Mr Charles Udoh, and members of the Ministry’s Enforcement Team were said to have been attacked on Sunday when they embarked on the demolition of Ifa Ikot Akpan Market along the Airport Road.
It was gathered that the attack was led by an unnamed CLO of the construction company handling the Airport Road expansion project who mounted a roadblock to stop the demolition.
The attack was however said to have been repelled by a combined team of law enforcement agencies who succeeded in arresting the group before more persons were injured.
Reacting to the attack on his convoy on Monday in Uyo, the Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals, Udoh, said some of the attackers who escaped in the process would soon be apprehended.
According to him, the Ifa Ikot Akpan Market was the first to be affected by the exercise, adding that more illegal markets and structures have been selected for demolition.
He added that there had been a series of sustained public education and awareness campaigns against street trading, which was becoming an increasing menace on major roads and other highbrow areas in the Uyo, the state capital.
The commissioner revealed that the demolition exercise was in compliance with Operation Zero Tolerance on Street Trading and illegal Markets announced by the government in January 2021.
“The demolition exercise was successful and the environment is given a much-desired face-lift for the benefit of our people and befitting of the gateway to a state capital.
“It is important to note that Ifa Ikot Akpan Market is only the first market to be so affected, more illegal markets and structures have been earmarked for demolition.
“There will be no further announcements and notices to this effect as we have continually engaged those involved about their infractions and the need to leave the said locations.
“The Ministry of Environment & Solid Minerals will continue irreversibly to enforce environmental regulations for the betterment of citizens and residents of Akwa Ibom State. Offenders, irrespective of political affiliations would be prosecuted,” he stated in a press release.