Panic buying has hit markets and super stores in Makurdi, the Benue state capital and its environs which have continued to witness large number of residents rushing to stock up over the Coronavirus pandemic.
The panic buying was however heightened when the state government, on Saturday, announced the confirmation of one case of the virus in the state.
Governor Samuel Ortom while briefing journalists in Makurdi also announced that major markets would be closed from Monday, March 30, 2020 as part of proactive measures to prevent the spread the disease in the state.
According to Ortom, only shops and medical stores would be open to the public.
Our correspondent who visited some markets and super stores within the
week observed a lot of hustling and bustling with buyers struggling to
purchase items to stock their homes.
At the Wurukum, Wadata and Makurdi Modern markets, women mostly, were seen buying food items; rice, beans, yams, fish and other food items, in bulk while most super stores had large number of customers buying essentials item like provisions, toiletries particularly, hand sanitizers and disinfectants, among other items.
At a popular super market in Makurdi town, a whole bread shelve was completely empty as the time of visit. The shop attendants said it had been like that for days as shoppers were buying more than they used to.
READ ALSO: 8 Strains Of The Coronavirus Circling The Globe – scientists
A resident, Mrs. Valentina Chukwu who spoke with the Next Edition at the Wurukum market said “Government has asked everyone to stay at home and they have also announced that they would be closing major markets in Makurdi because of the coronavirus. So, I want to buy things and keep at home so we would not stay home hungry”.
Also speaking, a teacher, miss Susan Gur who expressed worry over the coronavirus pandemic said, “We don’t know when this issue will come to an end but we have been praying to God for it to end soon. So, it is better to buy things and keep at home to be on the safe side.”
Our correspondent also observed that shop owners were making brisk business as they sold some items above their normal prices.
Meanwhile, a member of the State Action Committee on COVID-19, Mr. Bemgba Iortyom has urged Benue residents not to panic as government has taken proactive measures to curtail the spread of the disease.
Mr. Iortyom said, “The Governor empathizes with the people over the
pains that they certainly would face. This is not the best time that this could have happened. The economy is in recession and it is not easy on the ordinary Nigerian coupled with the stay at home order and not being able to make ends meet.
“He believes that this will not last forever and he also knows that the people are making huge sacrifices. If any palliative comes to the state government in whatever forms, he will ensure they reach to the people and whatever measures that may be there to cushion the effects of this lockdown, definitely, this administration will make sure that they will get to the people to make life easy for them,” Mr. Iortyom
said.
