By Our correspondent
The leadership of Ogbo-Ogwu Medicine Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, has raised concern over what it described as the resurgence of activities by certain individuals previously sanctioned for alleged involvement in the distribution of fake and substandard drugs.
Speaking to journalists in Onitsha on Thursday, the Chairman of the market’s Caretaker Committee, Mr. Ndubuisi Chukwuleta, appealed to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Anambra State Government to urgently act on petitions submitted by the market leadership, warning that the inaction could threaten the peace and integrity of the market.
He alleged that a group of individuals, previously banned from the market by relevant authorities over drug-related concerns, had returned and begun actions capable of destabilizing the market.
“These individuals have resumed activities that have raised tension among traders. They move around making inflammatory statements, inciting disaffection against the current leadership, and calling for our removal,” Chukwuleta said.
He cited a recent incident during the market’s monthly Wednesday prayer session, organized by the Ogbo-Ogwu Market Evangelism Group, which began in 1998. According to him, while shops are expected to remain closed during the prayer session, the group in question attempted to disrupt the exercise.
“One of them allegedly broke into a locked line of shops, including some previously sealed by regulatory agencies, and began opening them while prayers were ongoing.
“We had to invite Operation Udo-Ga Achi, along with Police and Naval personnel, to maintain peace. However, the group resisted all efforts to restore order,” he said.
Chukwuleta said the leadership believes the current crisis is tied to new anti-counterfeit measures implemented under his administration, which focus on holding traders accountable for the products they sell, rather than chasing after elusive suppliers.
“In the past, fake drug dealers would hide behind the scenes while middlemen took the fall. Now, our system ensures that those selling illegal products face consequences. This has led to a reduction in patronage of such dealers, and they are not happy about it,” he explained.
He further disclosed that as part of enhanced security protocols, the market now operates a single entry and exit gate, which is locked after daily trading. He noted that this has curtailed late-night and early-morning activities that previously went unchecked.
“This new measure has blocked the channels through which illegal products were brought into the market. It has also helped to stop midnight rituals or suspicious activities that used to take place before dawn,” Chukwuleta added.
He said the group’s resistance to the prayer sessions is also troubling. “They have demanded that the prayer meetings be abolished, claiming they no longer want them. We have advised that they stay away during the sessions if they are uncomfortable, and return afterwards. But they insist the prayers must end.”
Chukwuleta emphasized that any move to alter the longstanding prayer tradition must be presented formally at a union meeting.
He concluded by calling on NAFDAC and the state government to act swiftly on the petitions and support the ongoing efforts to rid the market of harmful practices.
“The market leadership is committed to upholding standards and protecting public health. We do not want a few individuals to jeopardize the integrity of this market or put traders at risk of regulatory sanctions,” he said.
