Sit-at-home: Enugu traders bemoan customers’ absence as schools remain shut

By DAMIAN DURUIHEOMA, Enugu

Traders in Enugu metropolis have bemoaned absence of customers in markets after they opened following the cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The traders at Ogbete, Mayor and New Markets said absence of many customers led to poor sales.

Our correspondent, who visited various markets in Enugu metropolis, observed that Coal Camp Spare Parts Market and Kenyatta Market witnessed bubbling economic activities.

It was learnt that except banks on Old Market Road and Ogui Road, banks on Independence Layout, New Haven, Achara Layout and Agbani Road opened for businesses.

Traders, especially mechanics, were seen coming in and going out with various spare parts at Coal Camp while a few trucks were seen at Kenyatta loading and unloading building materials.

A trader at New Market, Chika Munonye, told The Nation that there had not been sales since he came out.

Munonye, who deals on medicines and hospital equipment, said: “I like many others came out here around 9am and I have been here for three hours, just three customer have come here.

“I think our people are yet to appreciate the fact that nobody is harming anyone anymore. They should come out because we can’t control like this.

“I believe it’s a gradual process before many people begin to realize that there’s no more sit-at-home on Mondays.”

Another trader at Ogbete Market, Kyrian Nwobodo, called on customers to begin to come to markets as it was now in full swing.

“I don’t want to say much. I only want to call on our customers to begin to come out. I’m happy that many traders have started coming out.

“So, nobody should say that traders are not in the market because of sit-at-home”, he said.

At the Old Park/Holy Ghost roundabout, some motor parks were seen loading passengers for interstate travels.

Except Ogui Road and Zik’s Avenue, shops and offices on various other roads and streets opened for businesses.

It was also observed that a handful of workers were in their offices at the State Secretariat and Enugu North council headquarters.

However, government and private schools in the State remained shut.

It was learnt that school managements were still afraid of possible attacks by hoodlums who might strike if they opened.(The Nation)