.png)
By Madu Obi
Operatives of the Anambra State Traffic Agency (ACTA) have started chasing away beggars and hawkers who set up makeshift markets in parts of Awka, the state capital.
The ACTA team, accompanied by security personnel, stormed the popular Aroma junction around 10:45 am and began clearing the area.
An eyewitness described the scene as " war-like" , with ACTA officials chasing people away, smashing goods and destroying makeshift sheds. At the of the operation, which lasted only a few minutes, goods worth thousands of naira were destroyed.
"We were not given any warning. They just came and started destroying our goods. It's not fair. We are just trying to make a living," some of the affected traders said.
An ACTA official, however, explained that the operation was necessary to address the issue of traffic congestion and safety concerns in the area.
"Aroma Junction is a critical intersection that connects several major roads in the state. The activities of the hawkers and beggars are causing traffic congestion and posing a risk to the safety of road users. We had to take action to clear the area and restore normalcy", he said.
Comments