ASHENEWS reports that traders in Minna, the Niger State Capital on Thursday shunned the nationwide hunger protest scheduled for Thursday, August 1 and went about their lawful daily activities.
ASHENEWS correspondent who monitored the situation, reports that the atmosphere around and within the Kure Market, in Minna was serene and peaceful.
At the Kure Central Market, the biggest market in the state capital, traders were seen going about their business as usual.
ASHENEWS however revealed that traders and customers were allowed entry through only two gates at the market.
At the time of filing the report, major roads in the Niger state capital were also busy as commuters moved around the area.
At Kure Market, petty traders were seen displaying and hawking their goods.
Despite the drizzle of rain at noon, customers were seen trooping into various shops to make purchases.
One of the traders, Ibrahim Alhaji told ASHENEWS that the traders were earlier told that the market would not open for business due to the planned protest.
“Later in the day, we were informed that the market will be open and that is why you see most traders coming in late this afternoon.”
As at 4 pm, ASHENEWS observed that a few other shops remained closed.
A tricycle operator who did not give his name ascribed this to fear on the part of some traders over the protest.
“Some of these traders are not from here. Given the history of many protests in the country, they feel that it is better to stay away to avoid falling victim to possible violence that could occur. You know that it is a habit for criminals to target non-indigenes and security personnel when the protest turns violent,” he said.
The tricycle operator who said that the protest is justified given the current economic hardship in the country however expressed concern that demonstrators might go too far in their action.
“We know it’s not easy for everyone but we just have to look at the implications of such actions. Should things go wrong, the common man will suffer before the rich do. We just have to be patient,” he said.
On the ground to forestall any violence were armed vigilante personnel deployed at various locations in the market to safeguard lives and properties.
