By our reporter
Crisis erupted at Nkpor Main market hall, venue for the conduct of Nkpor Butchers Association election, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, as angry youths stormed the arena, damaging chairs, tables and other items within reach.
The actions of the youths, suspected to be Nkpor indigenes which prompted suspension of the poll was said not to have gone down well with the butchers who wanted to retaliate but for the prompt intervention of relevant stakeholders.
The stakeholders, including Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Chief Michael Obiekwe, President General, PG, Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna, chairman of the ASMATA state Electoral Committee, Hon. Samuel Ifurunwa and others were said to be present to conduct the election.
Permanent Secretary reportedly postponed the election to next week Friday to enable the warring factions, (butchers and Nkpor indigenes) resolve their issues, describing peace as paramount in all human endeavours.
Earlier, ASMATA PG, Anuna stressed the need for love and peace and expressed optimism that the issue which brought about the crisis would be amicably resolved within the stipulated period by the Permanent Secretary.
Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Butchers, Onyia Patrick said the bone of contention which is yet to be identified, will be made known within the weeklong time frame and maturely resolved between the warring factions.
In their various remarks, former chairman of Nkpor Main market, Arum Obianyo and a trader, Alagu Mathias, expressed the hope that the crisis would be settled within the period given and urged all to embrace peace to forge ahead.
