The Human Rights, Liberty Access and Peace Defenders’ Foundation (HURIDE) and the Campaign for Democracy (CD) South East Zone have strongly condemned the recent closure of the Onitsha Drug Market and other adjoining markets at the Bridgehead, Onitsha, Anambra State.
In a statement signed by HURIDE’s Executive Director and CD South East Zonal Chairman, Dede Uzor A. Uzor, the groups criticized the total shutdown of the Drug Market, Plumbing Materials Market, Iron Rod Market, and others, which was carried out in the early hours of Monday, February 10, 2025, by security operatives, including soldiers.
According to reports, the closure was aimed at confiscating fake, expired, and unwholesome drugs. However, HURIDE argued that the operation unfairly targeted innocent traders, including those who do not deal in pharmaceuticals or whose products have been approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The rights group also raised concerns over reports that NAFDAC officials forcibly broke into shops without the presence of their owners. *”How would you punish the sinners and the righteous together? Does it mean that everyone in the market engages in unwholesome drug trade?”* HURIDE queried.
They further warned that NAFDAC officials must be held accountable for any seized life-saving medications and funds allegedly taken from traders’ shops. Comparing the incident to the 2007 market closure under the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, the group noted that traders were at least allowed to be present during inspections at the time.
HURIDE called on NAFDAC to adopt a more strategic approach to tackling fake and expired drugs without infringing on the rights of law-abiding citizens. They urged the agency to support the Anambra State government’s ongoing construction of a modern drug market in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, which would help regulate pharmaceutical sales.
The group reiterated that while they do not support the sale of fake drugs, innocent traders should not suffer due to the actions of a few. They demanded the immediate reopening of the market and accountability for all actions taken during the closure.