Several traders, youths, and street urchins on Tuesday protested and halted the demolition of stalls and kiosks at the Bayan Tasha Market in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.
Arewa PUNCH gathered that the incident occurred when a demolition team, accompanied by a bulldozer, began the exercise, drawing the attention of aggrieved traders and youths who resisted and chased them away.
Sources said the state government plans to demolish stalls and kiosks in the area to decongest the old Bayan Tasha trading hub and enforce the relocation of traders to the newly constructed Ibrahim Geidam Modern Market along Potiskum Road in Damaturu.
It was further reported that the government had issued several notices to the traders and allocated new shops, stalls, and spaces to them in the modern market, but many refused to comply.
The affected traders described the demolition as unjust and illegitimate, alleging that it violates due process and has forced them to seek legal redress.
Alhaji Yusuf Maikabeji said the demolition team, escorted by armed security operatives, carried out the exercise, leaving stall and kiosk owners shocked and devastated.
“The government officials asked us to remove our containers, stalls, and kiosks located in front of residential houses and relocate to the new market. We told them we were not operating on the roadside.
“We installed our structures on land we either purchased or rented. We even approached the Yobe State Geographic Information System for approval to build on the site, but the agency later halted the license.
“They returned with security operatives and a bulldozer and began demolishing our stalls and kiosks. However, people resisted and chased them away.
“We have taken our complaints to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chiroma Buba Mashio, and the Attorney General, Barrister Saleh Samanja. They acknowledged the injustice and promised to look into the matter.
“We are appealing to Governor Mai Mala Buni to intervene and stop this injustice. These actions are destroying our means of livelihood, especially given the current economic realities,” he said.
Another affected trader, Malam Liman, lamented that despite their cooperation with government directives, their efforts have not been recognised.
“Last year, the government, through YOGIS, instructed us to maintain a two-metre setback from the roadside and drainage channels to allow free water flow.
“We complied fully, but to our surprise, our shops are now being demolished. This has affected many people who depend on these businesses for daily survival.
“Many traders believe they are operating on land they legally own after following government instructions. This situation is very difficult, considering how people rely on their businesses for livelihood,” he said.
Our correspondent learned that the state government has resolved to prohibit all forms of petty trading in the Bayan Tasha area, as some traders remain reluctant to relocate despite the provision of adequate facilities in the new market.
Responding, the General Manager of Ibrahim Geidam Modern Market, Alhaji Bulama Larema, said the demolition and relocation are necessary to decongest the area, improve urban planning, and enhance security and sanitation in the state capital.
He explained that the relocation is part of ongoing efforts by the Yobe State Government to restore order, strengthen security, and ease traffic congestion.
According to him, roadside trading poses serious security, environmental, and traffic risks.
“The exercise is lawful. To promote economic growth, improve public safety, and enhance the quality of life, the government constructed and commissioned the Ibrahim Geidam Ultra-Modern Market in Damaturu.
“Every trader at Bayan Tasha was allocated a shop, store, or stall in the new market, depending on their business. Many were also given plots to set up their containers and kiosks.
“The government gave them three months to relocate, and the deadline expired on March 30, 2026. Our findings show that some traders sold their allocated shops or plots, used the proceeds to expand their businesses, and returned to their former locations.
“They are now renting undeveloped plots in residential areas to set up temporary structures, which is illegal. Converting residential areas into commercial spaces is not permitted.
“While many traders have complied and relocated, some remain defiant. The government has provided a modern, well-equipped market, and there is no justification for continuing roadside trading.
“The government had repeatedly warned that enforcement would begin after the deadline, with defaulters facing prosecution under existing laws.
“Buyers initially found it difficult to patronise the new market due to familiarity with Bayan Tasha, but they are gradually adapting. We will not allow trading at Bayan Tasha except in properly constructed shops owned by individuals, not in makeshift stalls or kiosks. This is part of efforts to boost socio-economic activities in the new market,” he said.
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