OGIGE MARKET DEMOLITION TRAGEDY: ‘Over 16 Lives Lost, Livelihoods Destroyed’ — Nsukka Catholic Diocese Blasts Gov Mbah’s Administration

OGIGE MARKET DEMOLITION TRAGEDY: ‘Over 16 Lives Lost, Livelihoods Destroyed’ — Nsukka Catholic Diocese Blasts Governor Mbah’s Administration

June 13, 2026

The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka has launched a scathing criticism of the Enugu State Government over the controversial demolition of sections of the popular Ogige Market, alleging that the exercise has left a trail of economic devastation, emotional trauma, and multiple deaths among affected traders.

In a strongly worded statement issued on June 12, 2026, the Diocese accused the administration of Governor Peter Mbah of attempting to politicize the Church’s pastoral mission after a senior government aide reportedly attacked remarks made during the funeral of a deceased catechist, Mr. John Attah.

The statement, signed by the Diocese’s Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel I. Asadu, condemned what it described as a “malicious and misleading” effort by Mr. Reuben Onyishi, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Mbah, to twist the Church’s message of compassion and justice into a political controversy.

The controversy erupted following comments made by the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka during the burial of Mr. Attah, a respected catechist and trader who was reportedly among several victims said to have suffered severe health complications after losing their businesses during the demolition exercise.

According to local sources, Attah and several other traders allegedly experienced devastating emotional and financial distress following the destruction of their shops. Some reportedly suffered strokes and other life-threatening medical emergencies linked to the sudden loss of their means of livelihood.

The Diocese maintained that the Bishop’s presence at the funeral and his remarks were purely pastoral, aimed at comforting a grieving family and highlighting the suffering endured by many members of the community.

“The duty of a shepherd is to speak against injustice and the suffering of the people, whether the action comes from a friend, an ally, or a stranger,” Fr. Asadu stated.

“The Church will not abdicate this responsibility. When people’s means of livelihood are destroyed without adequate and transparent resettlement, it is only right that the voice of conscience is raised.”

The Diocese firmly rejected suggestions that it was engaging in partisan politics, insisting that its mission remains focused on spiritual guidance, social justice, and the protection of human dignity.

Church leaders stressed that speaking on issues affecting vulnerable citizens should not be interpreted as political opposition, arguing that religious institutions have a moral obligation to defend those facing hardship and injustice.

“The Catholic Church remains a non-partisan institution with no interest in political battles,” the statement noted. “Our concern is the welfare of the people entrusted to our care.”

The Diocese further warned government officials and media aides against what it described as attempts to intimidate religious leaders or suppress legitimate concerns raised by affected citizens.

“Nobody can intimidate or suppress the truth,” the statement added. “No amount of political rhetoric can erase the lived reality of those whose businesses, investments, and livelihoods were wiped away.”

The latest exchange has reignited public debate over the demolition of parts of the historic Ogige Market in Nsukka, one of the largest commercial hubs in Enugu North Senatorial District.

The state government had defended the demolition as part of its ambitious urban renewal and infrastructure modernization agenda. Officials argued that the project was necessary to pave the way for a modern transport terminal designed to decongest the university town and improve transportation services.

However, critics have consistently accused the government of carrying out the exercise without sufficient consultation, compensation, or adequate arrangements for displaced traders.

Many traders claimed they were forced out of their shops with little notice and without being provided with a fully developed alternative market site. Several business owners reportedly lost investments accumulated over decades.

Beyond the physical destruction of shops, the demolition has generated growing concerns about its human impact.

Community leaders and affected traders allege that the sudden loss of income plunged many families into severe hardship amid Nigeria’s challenging economic climate. Reports from local stakeholders indicate that emotional stress, depression, and health complications became widespread among victims struggling to rebuild their lives.

According to sources familiar with the situation, more than 160 shops were affected by the demolition exercise, while over 16 deaths have allegedly been linked to the aftermath of the displacement and economic losses suffered by traders.

Although these claims remain a subject of public debate, they have fueled widespread anger within the community and intensified calls for accountability, compensation, and a comprehensive resettlement plan for affected business owners.

As tensions continue to rise, community stakeholders, religious leaders, and civil society groups are urging both the government and affected traders to engage in constructive dialogue aimed at finding lasting solutions.

Observers believe the controversy has become a major test of Governor Mbah’s urban development agenda, raising critical questions about balancing infrastructure modernization with social welfare and economic justice.

For many residents of Nsukka, the issue is no longer merely about demolished structures but about families whose lives were uprooted, businesses that vanished overnight, and the painful human consequences of policies implemented without what critics describe as sufficient compassion and support.

As demands for accountability grow louder, the Ogige Market controversy remains one of the most contentious chapters in Enugu State’s ongoing urban renewal programme, with affected traders and community leaders insisting that development should never come at the cost of human dignity and livelihoods.