The Abia State Government says it will not apply force or any form of maltreatment in relocating traders at Isi Gate, Umuahia, to a new site in Umuahia North LGA.

The Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, gave the assurance on Monday while explaining the outcome of the Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Otti.

He said the traders would be moved temporarily to Okigwe Motor Park in Umuahia, adding that they would trade within the motor park until the completion of the Afara market site, where they would relocate permanently.

Ekeoma, who stated that the state government does not believe in the use of brutality in implementing its policies, said the traders would be relocated in an orderly manner without harm.

The Abia State Government also dismissed claims that the Federal Housing Estate in Umuahia is solely a federal government project, maintaining that the land for the project was acquired by the state, among other contributions.

Also speaking on the outcome of the Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, said that the state government would construct a new railway station to ease transportation in the city, in collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

We won’t apply force in relocating you – Abia govt allays Umuahia traders’ fears