10th July, 2015
All markets in Enugu on Thursday remained closed as traders were protesting the transfer of some Boko-Haram prisoners to some states in the South East.
When NAN monitored traders’ compliance to the closure directive, all the markets in Enugu, such as Ogbete, Kenyetta, Artisan, Garki and Aria were closed to business.
Some customers who spoke to NAN at Ogbete market expressed surprise at the closure of the market as there was no prior information that there would be no market.
A customer, Mrs Onyeka Uba said that she was not aware of the development as she came from Nsukka to buy the goods she would sell in her community.
“I am surprised that all the markets in Enugu have been closed over Boko Haram prisoners. I came all the way from Nsukka to buy provision for my shop, what it means is that I will go back home, wasting my money on transportation without achieving anything,” she lamented.
At Kenyatta market, Mrs Josephine Uwualili, a customer said that she came to buy foodstuff as there was nothing at home for her family to eat.
“I pray that some evening markets will open for business to enable people buy what they need. The cause for which the markets were closed is justified but the leadership of the market union should have given enough publicity to the closure.
“Many people, traders, consumers, transporters, artisans and even hawkers of perishable goods will lose a lot because of this singular act.
“I advise that in future, they should give people enough information to reduce their sufferings,” she said.
One of the guards at Ogbete Market, who pleaded anonymity, said that traders were not comfortable with the transfer of the Boko-Haram convicts brought to the South East prison, saying that closing their shops was part of their protest.
A food vendor at Abakpa Market, Mrs Judth Eze, lamented that the food she cooked would be wasted as she was unaware of the directive.
“It is unfortunate that the food l cooked will be wasted because l did not hear that markets will be closed today.
“Please tell the people that are giving this type of order to say it on time, at least give 48 hours information so as not to take anybody by surprise,” she said.
At the Garki Market, some traders were seen standing at the entrance of the market discussing the matter.
A shop owner, Mr Ukoha Eke, said that they were directed by the leaders of the market not to open for business in solidarity for the protest against the transfer of some Boko-Haram prisoners to the South East.
The state President of Enugu Traders Association, Chief Temple Ude confirmed the closure of markets in the state, adding that it was a directive from the South-East Traders Associations leadership.
NAN reports that following the transfer of some Boko-Haram prisoners to Ekwulobia Prison in Anambra State, traders in the South East closed to business to express their displeasure over the situation.