Market Leader Warns Criminals To Steer Clear Of Ogbaru Main Market Premises

By Chuks Eke—

Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, President of the Ogbaru Main Market Amalgamated Traders Union (OMMATU), has warned criminals to stay away from the market or face serious consequences if caught.

He stated that with the market now equipped with modern detection devices and CCTV cameras, any criminal attempting to carry out illicit activities within the market—day or night—should be aware they will likely be caught on camera.

Ochiogu issued this warning while handing over a suspected criminal, apprehended by market security operatives, to the police.

This arrest came just weeks after the individual broke into several market shops and stole items, all captured by the CCTV footage.

He emphasised that the days when daring criminals operated freely within the market—breaking and entering shops at night and stealing large quantities of goods and cash—are over.

He explained that even if criminals manage to evade security during the night or daytime, as was common before his election a few years ago, the modern detection devices installed throughout the market will eventually identify them.

For instance, Ochiogu cited a recent apprehension of a criminal who had been operating in the market. He was caught after the detection devices revealed his identity and the details of his actions.

Several criminals have confessed to their crimes after being caught, and they have been handed over to the police for thorough investigations and potential prosecutions to deter others.

Regarding his achievements since taking office nearly three years ago, Ochiogu highlighted that he has successfully attracted six polling units to the market, enabling traders to exercise their franchise during elections.

This was evident during the recent Anambra Governorship election, which resulted in the overwhelming victory and reelection of Governor Chukwuma Soludo for a second term.

His administration has also provided functional water boreholes and fire extinguishers to prevent frequent fire outbreaks, which were a major concern before he took office.

“I have also cleared a debt of N11 million in outstanding electricity bills inherited from my predecessors. Our market is the first to have solar-powered lights and CCTV cameras because we prioritize security.

“Previously, flooding often affected the market and our shops during rainy seasons, destroying our goods, but now traders are free from those challenges as we have been able to control them,” said Ochiogu.