End of an Era as Aba Waterside Abattoir and ‘Ahia Udele’ Market Are Relocated

Residents of Aba have expressed relief following the relocation of the waterside abattoir and the infamous ‘Ahia Udele’ market, an area long associated with accidents, environmental pollution, and severe traffic congestion.

For years, the Aba waterside bridge served as a slaughter hub where cattle and goats transported from northern Nigeria were processed on both sides of the bridge. The activities frequently disrupted traffic on the busy Aba-Ikot Ekpene Road, as animals were moved across the roadway for slaughter.

The situation often turned dangerous when cows escaped, causing chaos, stampedes, and injuries to pedestrians and motorists. The adjoining ‘Ahia Udele’ market, known for vultures feeding on slaughter waste, further worsened the area’s unsanitary conditions.

The Aba River beneath the bridge was also used for washing meat and personal use by butchers, raising environmental and health concerns among residents. Locals accused authorities of prioritising revenue collection over safety and environmental protection.

The corridor became notorious for repeated road crashes involving trucks, buses, and tricycles, often linked to runaway cattle, faulty vehicles, and revenue enforcement clashes. Security checkpoints and reckless articulated vehicles were also cited as contributing factors.

Over the years, several fatal incidents occurred, including the 2013 accident that killed 10 market women, a 2017 crash caused by brake failure that injured five people, and a 2018 tragedy that killed a pregnant woman during a bus-tricycle collision at Ahia Udele. Another major crash claimed six lives when a container truck lost control and plunged into the market area.

Eyewitnesses consistently described the zone as chaotic, with emergency response often delayed due to congestion and wreckage.

The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) had previously urged the government to relocate the abattoir, warning that cattle movements were endangering lives. “On several occasions, animals… ran amok and injured pedestrians, held up traffic, and caused auto crash,” CLO said.

Responding to public concerns, the Abia State Government under Okezie Ikpeazu ordered the closure and relocation of the abattoir to Omuma Uzo in Ukwa West and Ahia Udele to Good Morning Market in Aba South.

“All those currently doing business… should immediately relocate,” the directive stated.

Following the relocation, accident rates reportedly dropped significantly, improving safety in the area. The former waterside site is now being repurposed under Governor Alex Otti’s plan as part of the Enyimba Radisson Blu Hotel development.

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