ASHENEWS reports that the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto state council has said that operations of security operatives intercepting truckloads of assorted grains within the interior parts of the country are causing additional hardships for communities.
This is contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Union, Dalhatu Abdullahi, and Muhammad Nasir.
Instead, the NUJ appealed to security operatives directed by the government, to conduct their operations along the national borders.
“In Sokoto State, Truck loads of assorted grains are intercepted by Security Operatives after leaving the State Capital, heading to Eastern and Northern parts of the State.
“The Council is troubled by the fact that this development denies communities access to these food items in markets closer to them in Local Government Areas such as Isa, Sabon Birni, Goronyo, Gada, Illela, Gwadabawa, Gudu, Tangaza, and Binji.”
The council further expressed concern that such additional artificial scarcity may lead to a surge in prices beyond the reach of citizens in the affected zones.
The union urged business owners to avoid unnecessary increases in the costs of their products.
“It also urges clerics to focus their preachings on the Islamic position in business transactions.
“Lastly, the Council calls on authorities to fulfill their responsibilities and urges the wealthy in society to extend a helping hand to the needy among the people,” the statement said.