Commercial Activities Pick Up In Jos After Clashes

Commercial activities are gradually picking up in Jos, after the recent violence that left many dead and several others injured.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the markets were deserted as people were scared of going out for fear of being attacked.

The situation, which was compounded by state government workers’ strike is, however, returning to normal after the suspension of the industrial action.

A NAN correspondent who went to some markets in the metropolis observed that shop owners were back for business.

Mr. Sylvanus Chukwuma, a textile dealer at the Terminus market told NAN that he was tired of staying at home after spending all that he had on him before the hostilities started.

“With the presence of the security men in the markets, those that hate peace will be scared,” he said.

Mr. Cyril Obiakor, the Chairman, Kabong Market Traders Association, told NAN that although they still operated in fear, the level of patronage had increased significantly.

“When the recent crisis broke out the previous Monday, all the traders left the market for their lives but we are back,’’ he said.

Obiakor who expressed happiness with the level of patronage, thanked security agents for the maintenance of peace in Jos and the market in particular.

The chairman, however, appealed to traders to be more security conscious and report any suspicious move to security men in the market. The banks have also opened to customers after many days of closure because of the security situation and the state workers strike.

Meanwhile, traffic congestion, which disappeared during the troubled days have resurfaced in the city.