Abakaliki: Donkey Traders Lament Low Patronage

By Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki

The Donkey traders at the popular Nkwo-Jacky market in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Ebonyi state have decried poor patronage, linking it to the recent increase in the pump price of the Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as fuel. Leader of the Hausa community in the market , Alhaji Saliisu (Spina) Hassan made the revelation during interaction with newsmen at Nkwo Market.

Alhaji Saliisu noted that hausa community in Ohaukwu are very counscious of security and always ready to collaborate with the host community to combat insecurity that may arise at the donkey market. He commended Ebonyi state Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for appointing security aide who has so far assured Hausa community residing in Ohaukwu of adequate security and protection of their respective businesses at Nkwo Market, Ezzangbo.

"Increment of fuel price is the major problem that is affecting our business in the recent time. " The increment has made transporters to add money and because of this, the local market buyers no longer patronize us effectively due to increase price of donkey,therefore, making our customer to reduce" he said. According to the Hausa community leader, he revealed that the arrival of Chief Nwifuru has made his people not to fear for any form of intimidation, molestation and harrassement they had being facing. Speaking on the plan to reconstitute Muslim Pilgrimage board in the state, Alhaji Saliisu appealed for transparency and credibility in the process to enable fair play ground for interested persons. He urged state government, as well, the Ohaukwu Council Chairman, Hon Ikechukwu Odono to help address issue of water scarcity which he describe as big problem that affect business activities at Nkwo and donkey market. He advised the federal government to provide enough palliative to caution the effect of subsidy removal considering the difficulties and hunger Nigerian citizens are going through at the critical period.