The Ohaukwu Youths General Assembly has vowed to work with the leadership of Okwor Ngbo Market to apprehend illegal revenue collectors and flush out hard-drug dealers operating within the market.
President of the Assembly, Comrade Onah Emmanuel, made this known during a visit to the market leadership on Tuesday. Visibly displeased with the poor sanitary condition of the market despite traders paying environmental levies, Onah condemned the multiple, often forceful revenue demands imposed on marketers.
He stressed the need for a holistic, transparent, and non-harassing revenue collection system, warning that anyone caught extorting traders under the guise of revenue enforcement would be arrested and prosecuted.
Onah also expressed concern over reports that several traders had their shops and properties demolished without compensation or temporary relocation.
He announced the Assembly’s readiness to meet with the Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area alongside the Okwor Market Development Committee, led by Chief Hon. Charles Alieze (Charlie Parca), to address the hardship such actions have caused.
The Assembly further condemned the presence of hard-drug peddlers, public smoking, and cult-related intimidation within and around the market.
Onah assured that the youths would work with market authorities to dislodge drug sellers and clamp down on acts of harassment, oppression, and cultism.
He urged the market leadership to immediately set clear boundaries for traders’ display areas to reduce road blockage and minimize accidents.
In his response, the Chairman of Okwor Ngbo Market, Agbo Sunday, welcomed the Youth Assembly’s intervention, fully endorsing the observations and resolutions presented.
He pledged to collaborate with the youths to restore order, safeguard traders, and promote peace, unity, and sustainable development in Ohaukwu.
Agbo assured investors and traders of improved security and called on the public to feel confident bringing their businesses to Okwor Market.
