VARIOUS markets in the ancient city of Kano were besieged by people engaged in panic buying of foodstuffs and essential items to stockpile them against the commencement of lockdown announced by the state government.
It would be recalled that the state governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has announced that from the 10 pm on Thursday there will be a complete lockdown in the state as a measure to curtail the spread of COVID -19, which as at the time of this report, has claimed one life amidst 21 confirmed positive cases.
Subsequently, prices of foodstuffs and essential items have increased sharply.
A visit to major markets in the state capital revealed a lot of panic buying. Interviews with a cross-section of people indicated that most people do not want to be caught without sufficient food at home during the lockdown which commences today
At the popular Abubakar Rimi market, the price of rice has gone up from N1,000 per measure (mudu) to N1,200 while a measure of gari now costs N600 as against N400 it was earlier.
Also, at Kasuwa Kurmi, a measure of rice is now N1,200 as against N900 it was earlier, while a measure of beans now attracts N600 as against N400 sold before.
In an interview at the market, one Hajia Memuba Ibrahim, said: “We do not have any option than to buy at whatever prices they give us, else there will be no foodstuffs for our families.”
Mr Solomon Duke said, “I was surprised to see that the prices of foodstuffs have gone up. But what can we do? We have to buy.”
When Nigerian Tribune asked some food sellers on why prices of food were high in the markets, many of them blamed it on the closure of borders linking the state.
They said as of now, it was not easy for trucks carrying foodstuffs to enter the state capital as they were been prevented from entering. Only a few that were available, hence the price increase.
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