In a surprise operation, the Anambra State Traffic Agency (ACTA) stormed Aroma Junction earlier today, chasing away beggars and hawkers who had converted the area into a makeshift market.
Eyewitnesses reported that the ACTA team, accompanied by security personnel, arrived at the junction around 10:45 am and began clearing the area of all unauthorized activities.
One eyewitness described the scene as “like a war zone,” with ACTA officials shouting and chasing people away, smashing goods and destroying makeshift sheds.
The operation, which lasted only a few minutes, resulted in the destruction of goods worth thousands of naira.
Many hawkers and traders were left counting their losses, with one affected trader stating, “We were not given any warning. They just came and started destroying our goods. It’s not fair. We are just trying to make a living.”
An ACTA official explained that the operation was necessary to address traffic congestion and safety concerns.
“Aroma Junction is a critical intersection that connects several major roads in the state,” he said, adding “The activities of the hawkers and beggars were causing traffic congestion and posing a risk to the safety of road users. We had to take action to clear the area and restore normalcy.”
The operation has received mixed reactions from bystanders, with some praising the agency for addressing traffic congestion, while others have criticized the destruction of goods and the treatment of the hawkers and traders.
