By : Brenda Achen

Traders at Paidha Main Market have expressed growing concern over repeated incursions by mentally unstable individuals into the market, saying the incidents pose a serious security threat to vendors and customers.
The concerns were raised during the National Cleaning Day exercise held on Saturday, where market vendors used the opportunity to call on authorities to strengthen security measures within the market.

Paidha Main Market, which hosts more than 2,000 vendors—most of them women engaged in small-scale businesses—serves as one of the busiest trading centres in Zombo District. Vendors say the frequent presence of mentally unstable individuals has created fear among traders, with some reportedly damaging property, stealing merchandise and threatening people’s safety.
Speaking during the exercise, several traders urged the market leadership, local authorities and security agencies to devise lasting solutions to improve security within the market. They noted that while the market remains an important source of livelihood for thousands of families, the recurring incidents are affecting business operations and discouraging customers.

The vendors also appealed for regular security patrols, proper management of individuals found loitering in the market and closer collaboration between market leaders and law enforcement agencies to prevent future incidents.
Authorities who participated in the cleaning exercise saturday july 25,2026 acknowledged the concerns and assured vendors that the issues would be brought to the attention of the relevant offices for appropriate action.
The National Cleaning Day, observed across the country, is intended to promote environmental sanitation and public health while providing communities with an opportunity to discuss issues affecting their localities