Kaduna Traders Protest, Plead For Gov. Uba Sani's Intervention Over Stores Demolished By El-Rufai

The Governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Uba Sani has been called upon to alleviate the sufferings of traders in the state who were displaced during the  administration of former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.

During a protest held in Kaduna, the community of traders from different markets took to the streets in Kaduna,, demanding justice and intervention from Governor Uba Sani after their stores were demolished by former Governor Nasir El‑Rufai. 

The protest, marked by chants and placards, reflects the deep frustration of traders who have lost their livelihoods.

It could be recalled that the demolition, which took place during the Mallam Nasir El-Rufai's administration was part of El‑Rufai's urban renewal project, which aimed to modernize the market areas.

However, traders claim they were not given adequate notice or compensation, leaving them without a source of income.

Hasumi Yakubu, a trader who led the protest, said, "We were given a few days' notice to vacate, and then bulldozers came in and destroyed everything. I lost all my goods, and I have been struggling to feed my family since then."

The traders alleged that the demolition was not just about urban renewal but a plot to reallocate the stores to supporters of El‑Rufai

 "After the demolition, we saw new structures coming up, and it's clear they are meant for El‑Rufai's people," said Mallam Ibrahim, another affected trader.

The impact on the traders has been devastating. Many have been forced to hawk their goods on the streets, facing harassment from authorities and exposure to harsh weather conditions.

"We are suffering. Our children are out of school because we can't afford the the fees. We need help," said Aisha, a mother of three.

The traders' association has written several letters to the state government, seeking compensation and reinstatement, but they claim their pleas have fallen on deaf ears. 

"We have been to the government house, written petitions, but nothing has been done. That's why we are protesting," said Usman, the association's secretary.

Responding to the traders, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, (Dr.) Sule Shu'aibu, SAN, assured them that Governor Uba Sani will address the past injustices, even though he is not a party to them.

 Reacting to this, Hajiya Fatima said, "We voted for Governor Sani because we believed he would help us. We are now asking him to come to our aid." 

The traders are demanding compensation for their losses, reinstatement to their stores, and an investigation into the alleged reallocation of stores to El‑Rufai's supporters.

 "We want justice. We want our stores back, and we want those responsible for our suffering to be held accountable," said Mallam Ibrahim.

The protest has drawn attention from civil society organizations, with some offering support to the traders. "We stand with the Kabala Doki traders.

Their rights have been violated, and they deserve justice," said a representative from a local NGO.

As the protest continues, the traders remain hopeful that Governor Sani will hear their cries and act. "We are not asking for too much. We want to be able to work and feed our families with dignity," said Aisha.

The state government has yet to respond to the traders' demands, but the protest has highlighted the need for accountability and justice in governance. "This is about more than just stores; it's about people's lives and livelihoods," said Usman.

The traders' struggle is a reminder of the human cost of policy decisions and the importance of inclusive governance. As they await a response from Governor Sani, their determination to seek justice remains unshaken.

In a show of solidarity, traders from other markets have joined the protest, amplifying the call for justice. 

"We are all in this together. What happened to traders could happen to any of us," said a trader from a neighboring market.

The outcome of the protest remains uncertain, but the traders are clear about their demands. "We will not back down. We will continue to protest until our voices are heard and our rights are restored," said Hajiya Fatima.