Story By Abdullahi Jalaluddeen
At least five thousand traders operating around Masallacin Idi in Kano metropolis are on the verge of losing their businesses following a quit notice issued by the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA).
The traders, who have been operating in the area for over eighteen years, were given forty eight hours ultimatum to vacate the premises or face legal action.
The traders, through their chairman, Yakubu Muhammad, appealed to Governor Yusuf to intervene, stating that they have been contributing to the state’s revenue and have been lawfully conducting business in the area.
They questioned the rationale behind the quit notice, citing that they have been operating in the area for years without any issues.
The Managing Director of Kantin Kwari Market, Sa’adu Hamisu Dogonnama assured the traders that he will intervene and ensure justice is served.
However, a source at KNUPDA claimed that the traders are illegally occupying the area and did not seek permission from the agency before starting their businesses.
The quit notice has sparked concerns among the traders, who are still apprehensive from an earlier demolition of shops in the same area.
The traders appealed to the government to reconsider the decision, citing the potential danger of displacing thousands of youths and the impact on the state’s economy.
ABDULLAHI JALALUDDEEN
