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COVID 19: Akure residents shun order on markets closure; total compliance in Akoko

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DAMISI OJO, Akure

Prospective sellers and buyers in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Tuesday stormed Shasha Market along Owo-Akure road to transact businesses.

This was contrary to the directive by the Ondo State government that all markets should be shut to prevent the spread of Coronavirus pandemic.

However, in Akoko area of the state, situation was different as all markets were closed including those selling food items.

Many market women were lamenting how they would survive because most of the items like tomatoes, pepper, apples and other perishable items were got on credit before the order was made.

Many commodities are now been bought secretly at black market prices.

For instance, a kongo of Igbemo rice formerly N600 to N700  now costs N800 to N950 and five tuber of yams now cost N1,500 for medium and N2,500 for bigger ones.

The hike was due to panic purchase by consumers due to stay at home directives.

Banks were also flooded as customers were withdrawing money to meet their needs to stock food at home as nobody could predict when the situation will last.

Some elderly persons lamented lack of consideration for them.

According to an Octogenarian, James Oladetohun from Ikare Akoko and Femi Oloketuyi from Irun-Akoko,” we deserve special treatment in form of palliative to cushion the effect of stay at home order”.

Also, people living with disabilities did not hide their feelings on the various measures taken by both federal and state governments at this crucial period.

The duo of Kumapayi Olusa from Akunu, Akoko Northeast local government and Dupe Olayiwola from Akoko Northwest local government, who graduated several years ago without job said this policy would further add more to their sufferings.

They wondered why President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu did not consider them in their actions.

The duo urged government to direct Electricity Companies to wave three months electricity bill for Nigerians as part of palliative measures.

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