The Abia State Government, through the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), has demolished unauthorized residential buildings at the former Umuahia main market, known as Ogwumabiri, as part of its urban renewal initiative.
The structures, erected without government approval, were razed to clear the way for a modern transportation hub integrating a bus terminal, train station, and intercity shuttles.
The demolition, carried out on Monday, followed a year-long engagement with a private investor who had been allocated the land under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) arrangement by the previous administration.
According to UCDA General Manager Kingsley Agomoh, the investor unilaterally repurposed the site for residential duplexes and apartments, contrary to the government’s plan for a transport hub.
Despite negotiations and an offered ex-gratia settlement, the unauthorized structures were demolished to reclaim the space.Residents gathered at the site, observing the debris of the demolished buildings and discussing the development in hushed tones.
The move aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s broader vision to modernise Umuahia, which includes relocating the Isi-Gate Market to a five-hectare site behind Golden Guinea Brewery and constructing major drainage systems, a five-star hotel, and a 40,000-capacity stadium.
However, the demolition has sparked mixed reactions. While some residents support the government’s efforts to restore the city’s master plan, affected landlords expressed frustration, citing financial losses.
“We invested heavily in these buildings. The government should have found another way,” said one landlord, who requested anonymity.
The Abia State Government has emphasized its commitment to enforcing town planning laws, with prior ultimatums issued to landlords to dismantle unauthorized structures by February 13, 2025.
The UCDA has also recently demolished defective buildings and structures on encroached government lands, including those at Government College, Umuahia, signaling a broader crackdown on illegal constructions.
This development is part of ongoing efforts to transform Umuahia into a befitting state capital, though the government faces the challenge of balancing urban renewal with the concerns of affected property owners.
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