Jos Main Market illegal stalls demolished
From CHRISTIANA GOKYO, Jos

Hundreds of illegal stalls around Jos Main Market were demolished yesterday by Jos the Metropolitan Developmental Board (JMDB).
The demolition followed two weeks ultimatum given to them by the state government to relocate to the Rukuba Road satellite market.
Daily Triumph learnt that many of the affected traders did not think government was serious about the ultimatum. As early as 5 a.m. yesterday, a combined team of army, police, civil defence corps and officials of JMDB set to work.
It was learnt that there was an initial resistance by some of the traders who built human shield around their stores to prevent their shops from being demolished.
Our correspndent also learnt that five of such traders were arrested while others were chased away when they attempted to burn tires as away of registering their displeasure by security agents who ensured the demolition took place.
Daily Triumph also reports that clearance of debris had commenced after the exercise.
The affected areas showed that some of the traders who sensed government meant business had started removing what they could salvage from their demolished stalls.
Heavy duty trucks belonging to the JMDB were seen engaged in clearing the debris.
An official of jmdb told Daily Triumph that the clearance work would last throughout this week preparatory to the commencement of the foundation laying of the burnt down market.
It was observed that as a result of the clearance, human and vehicular traffic was being directed around the market under the supervision of a combined team of the army, police and officials of the civil defence corps.
The state governor, Chief Michael Botmang who visited the site was in accompany of the police commissioner, Mr. Kayode Ibiyinka, said the five people arrested were attempting to sabotage government’s efforts in relocating the traders from their present location.
A visit at the satellite market along Rukuba, Road showed that some of the displaced traders had started settling down for business in their new environment and called on the government to provide security for them.