About 5,000 traders operating around Masallacin Idi in Kano metropolis will be sent out of business following the quit notice issued to them by the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA).
KNUPDA had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the traders, selling goods around Masallacin Idi by IBB Way in the Kano metropolis to vacate the area or face the wrath of the law.
Addressing newsmen on Tuesday, the chairman of the traders, Yakubu Muhammad said the quit notice sent to the traders last week, will displace more than 5,000 traders at the place and send them out of their businesses despite the current economic challenges.
According to him, the place was allocated to them over 18 years ago by the late Galadima of Kano, Alhaji Tijjani Hashim through the Emirate Council.
“The place was allocated to our members to check the various criminal activities such as phone snatching and other immortal activities being perpetrated at the place.
“The previous administrations later allocated the place to us (traders) in order to continue to use the place as a business premises.
“We are many here, mostly youths, how could you attempt to separate these guys with their businesses, you know this will portend danger for the state if chased out of the state,” he said.
The traders who questioned the rationale behind chasing them out of the place where they run their lawful businesses for years and contribute to the revenue drive of the state, called on the state government to have a rethink over the issue.
“We are still trying to come to terms with the exact offense we committed that prompted KNUPDA to chase us from where we run our lawful businesses to fend for our families.
“We supported this government. We voted for it during the 2023 election. These traders categorically told the governor that their empowerment is to allow them to continue running their businesses at the Masallacin Idi,” he said.
He, however, called on governor Yusuf to intervene in order to enable them continue with their business
Responding to the protesters, the Managing Director, Kantin Kwari Market, Sa’adu Hamisu Dogonnama, assured to intervene and ensure justice to the traders.
When contacted, a source at the KNUPDA, who pleaded for anonymity confirmed that the agency has ordered the traders to vacate the place because they are illegally occupying the area.
“KNUPDA feels that the traders did not seek permission from it before starting business there, “that is why the Authority issued the quit notice as they are illegally operating at the place.” said the source.
The quit notice came at the time when the hundreds of traders affected by the demolition of shops in the Masallacin Idi at the beginning of the present administration are yet to recover from trauma and devastation they have been pushed.