Traders cry out as Bago orders closure of Niger market

Traders in Niger State are protesting the shutdown of the Madalla roadside market, situated along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, which was ordered by Governor Umaru Bago.

The market was closed amist reports of frequent accidents along the road that always led to the loss of lives.

Police operatives had chased marketers, preventing them from displaying their wares.

A trader, Solomon Eze, said the notice given to them was short and too sudden for the government to chase the traders away.

He said, “I came to the market to display my Okrika for sale only to see Police officers chasing people around,”.

Another trader, who preferred to be identified as Mama Amina, decried the decision by the government to relocate them to what she described as a “bushy surrounding.’’

She said the new place (market) was not conducive and spacious enough for the traders, hence the reluctance to relocate from the express market.

“In actual sense, the government is supposed to build a modern market within this area, knowing quite well that the population is growing and the environment is attracting more people every day. The new place that the government is asking us to go needs to be cleared,” she added.

Meanwhile, Maijidda Nuhu, a foodstuff trader, said she was delighted with the governor’s decision to close the market, saying it was a welcome idea.

“The decision was a timely intervention by the government because the space was now too small for the traders, who were growing in number by the day. The traders have taken over the roads, making it difficult for the free movement of vehicles, which leads to frequent accidents.

“It has always been a terrible situation whenever drivers lose control within the market. We have had severe cases of accidents and we should be happy with the government’s decision to relocate us from here,” she said.

Ms Nuhu stated that she lost her husband 20 years ago as a result of an accident that happened within the market.

”I would have also lost my life alongside my husband if not for God. As you can see, my face and hand are with scars. This is an unforgettable scar for me; it always reminded me of my late husband.

“I am happy with the government for relocating the market to a safer place; the marketers don’t understand that the government’s decision is for our own good. More so, the government has provided a place which is a better space behind, just a few steps away from here,” she added.

Mr. Nuhu urged the state government to ensure the new location is developed into a modern and trader-friendly facility, meeting standard requirements and providing a conducive environment for business activities.

(NAN)