Hundreds of traders took to the streets of Benin City on Monday, protesting the surge in food prices.
The demonstrators, comprising members of the Traders’ Welfare Union of Nigeria Edo State chapter and Ekiosa Market Traders Association, targeted major streets, the Edo State House of Assembly, and the Secretariat of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ.
They attributed the price hike to the activities of market unions or associations.
Protesters decried the government’s inaction regarding the Ekiosa market, which was burnt down a few years ago.
Lucky Orukpe, President of the Traders’ Welfare Union of Nigeria, and Agho Anthony, Chairman of the Ekiosa Market Traders Association, urged immediate action to address the issue, warning that prices would continue to rise if market union leaders’ activities went unchecked.
Carrying placards with messages such as “Evil unions in Edo markets are responsible for hikes in foodstuffs” and “Unions in Edo markets are causing pain to our people,” the protesters demanded an end to illegal unions in markets.
Orukpe alleged that market union leaders force traders to join their union with exorbitant fees and items, and those who refuse face conspiracy, arrest, and seizure of their goods.
The union called on the state government and the House of Assembly to intervene and stop the harmful activities of these unions.
The protest highlights the traders’ frustration with the rising cost of living and the perceived inaction of the government in addressing their concerns.
It remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to their demands and work towards finding a solution to the issue.
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