Hundreds of residents of Osogbo, the Osun State capital, have been thrown into panic and uncertainty following the sudden closure of a company that reportedly sold food items at prices significantly below prevailing market rates.
The company, located in the Odi-Olowo area of the city, had in recent months attracted a large number of customers through the sale of essential food items including rice, cooking oil, spaghetti and semovita at heavily discounted prices.
Several affected customers reportedly paid substantial sums of money in anticipation of receiving food packages and other benefits under the company’s arrangement.
However, tension erupted on Monday morning after the company abruptly shut its operations, leaving customers unable to access the products they had paid for or recover their money.
Scores of aggrieved customers reportedly stormed the company’s premises, demanding explanations and calling for the immediate recovery of their funds.
The operators were said to be unreachable, further heightening anxiety among customers who fear they may have lost their money.
Witnesses alleged that the company generated significant revenue from the scheme before its sudden closure, although the exact amount involved and the number of affected customers could not immediately be established.
Security operatives, including police officers reportedly deployed in about six trucks, were at the scene to prevent a breakdown of law and order as angry customers voiced their grievances.
The protesters called on relevant government agencies and security authorities to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding the company’s sudden disappearance and establish the whereabouts of the operators.
They also demanded that authorities take steps to recover their funds and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
Uptown Press is awaiting police statement on the incident. A similar incident happened in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State some years back.
