CUDA Seizes Goods at Goldie Market Over Road Obstruction, Seizes Reporter's Handset

Benjamin GBOR

The Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA), on September 9, 2024, carried out a large-scale operation Goldie Market in Calabar Metropolis, seizing goods worth hundreds of thousands of Naira from local traders.

The operation, which was aimed at clearing the roads around the busy market, left many traders and business owners scrambling to recover their belongings.

CUDA officials stated that the traders have been blocking the roads with their goods, creating serious obstructions for vehicles and pedestrians.

According to one of them, who refused to disclose his identity, the obstruction has led to traffic congestion and posed safety hazards for the public.

The operation was part of the efforts by the agency to maintain order I the city's market places and ensure free movement within urban areas.

The marketers, taken by surprise, pleaded with the CUDA officials for clemency, explaining that they had not received any prior notice or warning about the planned action.

Some traders expressed frustration, claiming they would have moved their goods if they had been informed beforehand.

Many of the affected marketers begged for forgiveness, asking CUDA to allow them to retrieve their goods without penalty.

Despite these appeals, CUDA officials remained firm in their decision, insisting that the traders would have to pay fines to bail out their seized items.

One official emphasized that the agency had repeatedly warned marketers about the dangers of blocking roads, but compliance had been minimal.

The crackdown extended beyond market stalls as POS stands, machines, and even chairs were confiscated, leaving some operators without the tools they needed to conduct business.

Other items seized by CUDA were footwear, clothes, foodstuffs, and various other goods. Speaking one of the affected traders, Udo Akpan, said: "The operation has left many traders concerned about their livelihoods, with some wondering how they will recover from the unexpected loss of their merchandise.

"This incident has fueled discussions among local business owners and traders about the need for clearer communication between authorities and the public."

However, THE BEAGLE NEWS reporter who happened to scene of incident and attempted to take pictures was handled by the CUDA officials and his headset seized.

But after much pleadings by some traders, CUDA team forces him to delete all the pictures taken and videos recorded before releasing the phone to him, with a warning that "he should try the rubbish next time else they will deal with him."