Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, have called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate alleged property document forgery, threats and the demolition of four buildings amid a dispute over the ownership of a market plaza and its leadership.

The traders, operating under the Association of Modebeb Traders, said the dispute had lasted about two years, disrupting business activities and raising concerns about their safety and investments.

Okey Muojekwu, who spoke on behalf of the traders, in Abuja, said the plaza where they conducted their businesses was demolished in 2025, affecting traders and other investors.

He alleged that four buildings, including properties at numbers 77 and 79, were demolished amid disagreements over ownership. He also accused some individuals of altering or forging property documents to change the ownership name from Osumakan Model Ventures.

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Muojekwu called on the relevant authorities to investigate the documents and establish the rightful ownership of the properties.

The traders alleged that some individuals had used their connections with security agencies, including police personnel attached to a special anti-narcotics command in Onitsha, to intimidate members of the association.

Muojekwu said he was recently attacked by suspected thugs who allegedly stabbed him with a knife. He said he escaped and reported the incident to the police but complained that, to his knowledge, no effective action had been taken against those responsible.

He added that threats against members had continued despite complaints to the authorities.

Muojekwu also alleged that a man identified as Chris Okon was beaten at his residence and taken away alongside a woman. According to him, the woman was detained from Friday until Monday or Tuesday before being released.

The traders asked the IGP to investigate the alleged attacks and threats, protect members and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.

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The dispute also involves disagreements over the removal of some market leaders by the Anambra State Government.

Tochukwu Umeh, chairman of the market association, alleged that some individuals continued to occupy leadership positions after the government removed them. He argued that the government had no right to remove leaders elected by market members.

Umeh said the dispute had complicated market administration and disrupted trading activities.

Onyeka Oguejiofor, a patron of the market, alleged that some individuals had taken over shops without following due process and were attempting to remove recognised leaders and traders.

He said some traders had been removed from their positions or threatened with eviction without formal notice. He added that those involved allegedly boasted of their connections with the police.

Oguejiofor said the traders had reported the matter to the Commissioner of Police and the Police Public Relations Officer and had also approached the leadership of the relevant market association, but had yet to reach a resolution.

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He alleged that some individuals were arrested and detained for about a week before being released, after which the activities complained about reportedly resumed.

He added that the traders had approached state government officials responsible for trade and commerce, who reportedly urged them to comply with the government’s decision to remove the affected leaders.

The traders called on the police and relevant government authorities to investigate the allegations and resolve the dispute to enable them to conduct their businesses without intimidation.