Banks, Traders, Transporters Open For Businesses, as residents shun nationwide hunger protest in Benue

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Citizens of Benue State, especially in Makurdi, the State capital have shunned participation in the ongoing nationwide ‘end bad governance/ hunger’ protest hitting very hard in many states of the Federation.

The residents went about their daily activities on Thursday without any sign of the protest in any part of the State.

The Nations News Nigeriareporterwhomonitored the level of compliance, especially in Makurdi, Gboko and Otukpo areas of the State, discovered that commercial activities went on smoothly and unhindered.

A visit to the high level area of the town indicated market is opened for businesses, where traders and buyers were transacting.

However, a contingent of policemen, soldiers and civil defence officers in uniforms was observed keenly monitoring activities.

A military vehicle conveying soldiers on patrol could also be seen along the Old Otukpo Road, stationed directly opposite the commissioners quarters.There is Soldiers presence at Kanshio junction where they mounted a lorry round the area.

There was heavy presence of security personnel comprising DSS, Police and NSCDC at the Modern Market Gate. Thousands of traders were seen surrounded the areas but the main entrance into the market was under lock and key.

Some fuel stations were seen selling products to commuters and Okada operators, where commercial banks also opened for businesses.

A resident who identified himself simply as Terdoo Ivere told Daily Asset that the youths in the State refused to participate in the protest following the pleads by the State governor and other stakeholders including the secretary to the government of the federation.

She explained that Governor Hyacinth Alia had proactively engaged stakeholders in Benue comprising youths, monarchs, artisan groups, road transport unions, market women, and others on need to shelves the protests.