By Paschal Madu
The District Head of Karmo Sabo in the Federal Capital Territory, Alhaji Yunusa Ashama Karmo, has described Karmo Market as an important part of the community’s identity, warning that relocating it outside the community could create serious social consequences.
Karmo made the remarks while appealing to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and other authorities to reconsider any plan to demolish the market or compel traders to move to a privately owned modern market.
He said the market had existed alongside the community for many years and remained an important economic institution for residents.
According to him, the market provides a platform for the sale of farm produce and supports residents who have moved into petty trading because of dwindling access to farmland.
“Taking this market to another place is like taking our identity away from us,” he said, stressing that the market was closely connected to the history and livelihood of Karmo.
The District Head also expressed concern about the possibility of social tension if traders were forcibly moved to a location outside the traditional control of the community.
He said the community had chosen peaceful engagement rather than confrontation and had continued to appeal to government officials.
Karmu said the traditional institutions in the area were united in their opposition to forced relocation, although individuals could have different personal considerations.
He also clarified that the community was not against modern development or private investment.
Rather, he said, the community wanted traders to have freedom to choose where to conduct their businesses.
He appealed to the FCT Administration to consider rebuilding the existing market to modern standards while retaining it within the community.
According to him, a properly reconstructed market would also address concerns about roadside trading, traffic congestion and poor organisation.
He urged the FCT Minister, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to use his good office to reconsider the proposed action and protect what he described as an important component of Karmo’s community identity.
