Advertisement
…chicken prices range from N10k-N12k in satellite markets
…prices of local rice remains constant from N22k-N32k
…low turnout of buyers in markets
…as residents moan and groan over scarce resources
By Emman Ovuakporie
The harsh economic situation and banditry that’s fast ravaging the northern part of Nigeria came to fore as many families in the capital city of Abuja may celebrate this yuletide festivities with empty stomachs.
TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports the harsh economic situation in Nigeria was clearly exhibited in most Abuja satellite towns as most markets were near empty unlike previous years.
A visit by TNG to Kubwa village market and adjoining markets in Dede, Kaigini, Gwagwa and Gwarimpa showed a turnout of buyers as prices of essential ingredients hit rooftop.
Prices of children particularly broilers ranged from N10K-N12K and old layers were being sold for between N3k and N3500.
Some of the traders who spoke to TNG attributed this ugly trend to the harsh economic situation in Nigeria and acts of banditry that has pervaded most northern states.
One of such traders, Mr Musa Nasir said “we take permission from bandits before we can enter our farmlands and even settle them or “Dem no go allow us enter farm.
“Even after settlement we still pay for passage to go back home or them fit kill you oh!
Most traders who spoke under the condition of anonymity gave credence to Musa’s narrative that the activities of bandits and kidnappers are really discouraging farmers from accessing their farms.
On the other hand, consumers lamented mostly about the cash squeeze in the country which has really affected the purchasing power of buyers.
A lady in Kubwa market told TNG, “I came here to buy just vegetables so that we can eat without meat but the prices of vegetables has gone up.
“The pumpkin leaves (ugwu) that we use to buy for 100naira now is 200naira where do we start from.
“Many people in Abuja are going to celebrate this Christmas on empty stomachs because there’s no money anywhere oh!
In Gwagwa, Dede, Kaigini and other markets it’s the same lamentation as the markets recorded low turnout of buyers.
TNG recalls that bandits levy residents in Zamfara communities to enable them live peacefully or face invasions.
Residents of the communities were given an ultimatum expected to expire next week Monday to pay N37m levy.
The communities under this unwholesome directive from the bandits camped in Tsafe, include: Bawagauga, Hayin Uda, Ruguza, Dumuyu, Zigau, Mai-Rerai and Gidan Kado.
These heavy levies imposed by bandits and the cash squeeze could be the reason prices of foodstuff are skyrocketing as most states in the north are in bondage perpetrated by bandits.