Residents of Kwara and Osun states stormed markets in large numbers to re-stock before the two weeks of lockdown begins. POLITICS NIGERIA on Wednesday visited some markets in the two states to observe the situation.
Recall that Osun state governor, Gboyega Oyetola extended the lockdown in the state by another fourteen days in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19 on Tuesday evening.
According to Mr Oyetola, the lockdown will commence on Thursday midnight as the lockdown is suspended between Wednesday and Thursday for people to re-stock. Also, Kwara State Government reviewed its earlier decision to allow vehicles to move around on days earlier designated for restocking of food and other essentials and has now directed residents to patronise only neighbourhood shops.
The Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Technical Committee on COVID-19 in the state, Kayode Alabi, announced the decision in Ilorin on Tuesday. He said the review meant that commercial and private vehicles were now barred from operating, except trucks and trailers conveying foodstuffs, medicines and other essential services earlier exempted by the government.
Mr Alabi said major markets in the state are banned from operating for 14 days from April 15. He said retailers could now set up shops in schools and open spaces in their neighbourhoods between 8 am and 12 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
When our correspondent reached Owode market in Offa, Kwara State, the parts of market where foodstuffs are sold, were crowded. Some of the residents who spoke with POLITICS NIGERIA decried the inadequacy of the palliatives distributed by the state government.
Moreover, they lamented the hike in price of major commodities and foodstuffs.
The same was the situation at Igbona and Atakumosa markets in Osogbo, Osun state capital when POLITICS NIGERIA visited. The mega mall in Osogbo was also crowded with many residents sighted at the entrance of the mall on Wednesday afternoon.
