Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi has warned against illegal selling and buying of lands and shops at the popular Kpirikpiri market in the state.

This is contained in a statement on Wednesday in Abakaliki by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Uchenna Orji.

Mr Umahi warned the people involved to desist from the transaction, noting that the state government would punish perpetrators.

“All occupants are directed to proceed to the state Ministry of Market Development for appropriate documentation and payment to the government.

“Take note that where such occupants fail and or neglect to come to the ministry for documentation and payment within the stipulated time, they shall be held responsible for breach of the state Land Use Regulations,” he advised.

The governor noted that after seven days from Wednesday, all lands and shops whose occupants failed to make their papers and appropriate payments would be shut.

“All the perpetrators, no matter who they are, shall be brought to book,” he said.

The governor stressed that the state government had not given anyone the right to sell any shop or land at the Kpirikpiri market, adding that, “all concerned have been sufficiently admonished.”

(NAN)