The market was relocated due to its proximity to Akanu-Ibiam International Airport, Enugu during the administration of former Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. 

A disturbing incident has occurred at the old Orie Emene Market in Enugu State, Nigeria, where Governor Peter Mbah's taskforce shot and shattered the hand of an elderly woman trading in palm oil.

SaharaReporters gathered that the incident happened on Wednesday evening when overzealous touts, armed with pump action guns, chased women petty traders away from the demolished market.

The market was relocated due to its proximity to Akanu-Ibiam International Airport, Enugu during the administration of former Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. 

However, petty traders have refused to vacate the area, leading to a confrontation with the taskforce. Eyewitnesses, including Nwakaego Odoh and Nneka Ozichukwu, described the chaotic scene, stating that the taskforce seized and destroyed goods belonging to the traders.

After the incident, government officials rushed the injured woman to Annunciation Specialist Hospital in Emene and later transferred her to the State Teaching Hospital ESUT-Parklane due to the severity of her injuries. 

The woman, identified as Mama Ndu, may require amputation of her shattered hand.

Narrating the unfortunate incident to SaharaReporters, the eyewitness who gave her name as Nwakaego Odoh, said: "On Wednesday morning before I got to my business stand, the chairman of the Enugu East local government area had already sitten somewhere in the market, lamenting that traders had refused to vacate the demolished old Orie Emene Market.

"He told the market women that the government of Peter Mbah doesn't want to see anyone trading or conducting any business in and around the demolished market again. He said that government was not going to sale the space to anybody either.

"At a point in his discussion, he asked the women to choose between allowing the market for them or the Air Port. The women numbering hundreds chorus 'we want the market.' The chairman, however, said that the previous administration had taken a stand on this that there wouldn't be market in the place again. There's new Orie Market for you people. Again the women chorus 'we don't have money to buy space. They are demanding N15,000 for a space every month. Where do we get the money after paying N36,000 tax to the State Government." 

The witness added that shortly after the council chairman left, officials of the government started fencing the old market with wire mesh and iron bars.

She said "Around 5pm, Governor Peter Mbah's taskforce wielding pump actions stormed the area and started chasing the market women. While the women were running they were seizing their trades and destroying their stands. Suddenly, they started shooting and the next thing a women identified as Mama Ndu, palm oil seller fell down and started shouting. When we came close, behold the woman's left hand had been shattered with bullet.

"Immediately, tension rose and people were surging to attack the taskforce for reprisal. They rushed and took the woman to their hillux vehicle and moved to Annunciation Specialist Hospital for treatment," she narrated.

Ozichukwu corroborated the story, adding that Mama Ndu was transferred to ESUT Parklane Hospital for further treatment, where doctors considered amputating her hand. 

After the chairman left, government officials began fencing the old market with wire mesh and iron bars. Later, Governor Peter Mbah's taskforce, armed with pump actions, stormed the area, chasing the market women and seizing their goods. During the chaos, the taskforce started shooting, and an elderly woman, Mama Ndu, was hit, shattering her left hand.

Governor Peter Mbah's media office has remained silent on the incident, failing to issue an official statement condemning the action.

SaharaReporters' attempts to reach the State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Command's spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, did not respond to calls.

This incident raises concerns about the use of force by government taskforces and the welfare of traders affected by market relocations.