Umuaka Times Condemns the Closure of Afor Umuaka Market.

Umuaka Times has strongly condemned the recent closure of Afor Umuaka market, describing the development as both unjustified and detrimental to the welfare of the community. The newspaper received reports on Saturday, April 11, 2026, that commercial activities in Umuaka were suspended in observance of a ceremonial event held outside the community at the LG headquarters in honour of the chairman of Njaba LGA Chief Vitalis Obi.

In a telephone conversation with Umuaka Times, Chief Uzoma Achazie confirmed that the market was indeed shut down. He explained that the closure was intended to honor Etiokwe with the governor of the state, who was being celebrated at a grand reception held at the council headquarters in Okwudor.

However, several residents who spoke to Umuaka Times questioned the rationale behind closing AforUmuaka for an event taking place in another community. Many expressed concern over the apparent inconsistency, asking whether Eke Okwudor, the market in the host community was also closed in solidarity.

The situation has further fueled longstanding grievances among Umuaka residents, who accuse the current administration of Njaba Local Government Area of persistent neglect. The community continues to grapple with a lack of essential social amenities, including public toilets, electricity, pipe-borne water, and an effective waste disposal system. Despite these deficiencies, authorities deemed it appropriate to halt economic activities in AforUmuaka because of a mere celebration.

Given the prevailing economic hardship across the country, it is on record that many residents rely on daily trading activities for survival. The market closure, therefore, had immediate and adverse consequences for traders and their families, many of whom depend on daily income to meet basic needs.

Investigations by Umuaka Times revealed that Eke Okwudor and other markets within the local government area remained open during the celebration. This has led to allegations of discrimination against the Umuaka community. In response to growing public outrage, Mazi Arthur Meremikwu addressed residents, stating that the idea to close the market originated from local market managers who proposed it to honor Etiokwe and consequently ordered shop owners to go back and open their shops.

Umuaka Times has criticized both the initiators and those who approved the decision, arguing that such actions set a troubling precedent. Drawing a parallel, the publication likened the situation to students boycotting school to celebrate a principal’s birthday, an act that would typically warrant disciplinary action rather than endorsement by the principal. The newspaper concluded by calling for accountability and urging relevant authorities to investigate and take appropriate action against those responsible for the closure of Afor Umuaka on Saturday April 11, 2026.