- Says market relocation will erode community’s identity
BY EVELYN DADU – In a passionate appeal aimed at preserving the traditional heart of Karmo Sabo district in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a community Leader, Alhaji Yunusa Ashama Karmo has urged the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to reconsider the planned demolition and relocation of the existing market in the area.
Alhaji Karmo, who is District Head of Karmo Sabo, described the contentious Karmo Market as an integral part of the community’s identity, warning that relocating it outside the area could create serious social consequences.
Speaking against the backdrop of the market being under imminent threat, the Royal Father warned if the government goes ahead with its planned demolition of the historic Karmo Market or displacing its traders, such action would tear at the very fabric of local identity.
Urging the Minister and urban development authorities to immediately halt the clearance plans, the monarch cautioned that forcing small-scale vendors out of their ancestral trading grounds and into an expensive, privately owned modern alternative could plunge hundreds of vulnerable families into deeper economic ruins.
He said the market had existed alongside the community for many years and remained an important economic institution for residents.
According to him, the market provides a platform for the sale of farm produce and supports residents who have moved into petty trading because of dwindling access to farmland within the nation’s capital city.
He said, “Taking this market to another place is like taking our identity away from us,” noting that the market was closely connected to the history and livelihood of Karmo residents.
Also expressing concern about possible social tension and spike in criminal activities if traders and residents are forcefully moved to a location outside the traditional control of the community, the District Head said the community had chosen peaceful engagement rather than confrontation and would continue pleading with government officials to reconsider their actions in the overall interest of ordinary Nigerians and security of the community.
Alhaji Karmo, who mentioned that the Community’s traditional institutions were united in their opposition to forced relocation, however said individuals may have different personal considerations, clarifying that the community was not against modern development or private investment in the area.
He explained that instead of forced relocation, the community is advocating for the traders’ freedom to do business where they choose, and pleaded with the FCT Administration to rebuild the existing market to modern standards right within the community.
The traditional ruler said upgrading the current site would eliminate roadside congestion, traffic bottlenecks, and poor organization as well as preserve local trade freedom.
He said ultimately, rebuilding the market would be more than a structural fix, but a deliberate action to protect vital cornerstone of Karmo’s identity for future generations.
