With the lockdown order still in force in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), many residents of the city who depend on daily activities for a living are finding it difficult to stay at home. This situation has pushed many artisans, in particular, back to the streets in search of their daily bread.
Nigerian Tribune investigation reveals that the satellite towns within the FCT have largely been busy with people going about their businesses, while at the same time the demand for daily pay jobs has increased as the main city is totally on lockdown.
In a tour of Lugbe area of the FCT, Nigerian Tribune observed that shops and other business places were closed, but people were on the streets making connections on phone in order to make ends meet.
A carpenter, Oche Samuel lamented that “I have sent my family back home to go and stay with my mother for as long as the lockdown lasts. I didn’t plan for this lockdown, so there is no savings anywhere. But as I am alone now, I survive on any small job I find.
“We stay here with this house agent, if they have a new apartment or someone need to do some repairs and you are here on ground, it is easy for them to give that person who is on ground the job, so your presence matters, you have to be in touch, the competition is high and the opportunities are small.”
Oche acknowledged he was aware of the dangers of going out. “I know it is dangerous to come out here, to be looking for job to do because you will come in contact with strangers but if you sit at home, what will you eat?” he questioned.
Nigerian Tribune’s tour at the Apo mechanic site revealed that many mechanics were available to render services even though their shops remain closed.
In a chat with a mechanic, Ifenyi Ekeme, he said “Things are really in bad shape. No money; no work. It is difficult and I just want the coronavirus thing to finish so that life can go back to normal.
“The coronavirus has really caused hardship; look at me sneaking around to find food. It has not been easy but a man has to do what man has to do in order to be able to put food on the table for his family. So, I manage to put fear aside to come out and hustle.”
Similarly, at Kugbo mechanic village, Nigerian Tribune observed that some shops were half-opened while many remained closed.
Artisans were seen hanging around, at the entrance of the market, many had approached this reporter, viewing him as a customer. Others sat under the shadow of trees within the market waiting for someone who needs to repair their car or wants to buy a vehicle part.
At Kugbo furniture market, the usual display of furniture has been suspended. However, artisans were seen hanging around while some shops were still opened.
One of the carpenters, Joel Onaji told Nigerian Tribune that “I can’t sit at home for too long because if I do, what would my wife and daughter eat? This is the only source of income that I have. Money is not coming to me anywhere else, so that is why some of us are still coming to work.”
He said the taskforce has been coming to raid them, but “we come back when they are gone. What would we do? Government is not supporting us in any way so should we remain at home and die of hunger?’ Onaji lamented.
The story is not different in Kurudu, Orozo and Karshi parts of the FCT where many residents are disobeying the lockdown order by the Federal Government because of hunger.
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