Benue Traders Rally Together, Close Market in Protest Against Surge in Car Thefts

Table of Contents

• Protest by Traders
• Government Response
• Traders' Plea for Security
• Security Issues Acknowledged

On Tuesday, traders at the Makurdi Modern Market in Benue State held a protest regarding the persistent incidents of vehicle theft occurring within the market area.

The frustrated traders halted business operations, expressing their concerns that the frequency of stolen vehicles had reached a critical point.

They urged the government to urgently investigate the recurring cases of missing cars and to enhance security measures within the market.

During our correspondent's visit, the main entrance of the market was locked.

Groups of traders, police officers, and security personnel were seen gathered outside, discussing the situation. Many customers who came to buy or sell goods were left stranded, unable to enter the premises.

The traders announced that the market would remain closed for two days as a form of protest to highlight their concerns, particularly regarding the ongoing theft of cars and other valuables.

One trader, Mazi Ezenna, shared with journalists that reports of vehicle theft had become a daily occurrence.

Ezenna stated, “We are exhausted from complaining about the insecurity in the market. There is a complete lack of security. We have communicated our concerns to the government through the state Ministry of Industry.

“Just imagine, between September and November 1, at least six vehicles were stolen from the market. A customer drives their vehicle to the market, parks it, goes to shop, and suddenly the car is gone.

“We, the traders, have lost numerous vehicles this year alone in the market. Therefore, we have decided to stay away for two days to consider our next steps and to urge the government to enhance security in and around the market.”

Attempts to gather comments from market leaders were unsuccessful, as none were willing to speak on the issue.

In response to the situation, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Orpin Alumo, mentioned that the ministry had not received any official notification regarding the protest.

He noted that the only communication received from the market union indicated their intention to observe fasting and prayers, without specifying a date or time.

Alumo acknowledged the existing security challenges in the market but assured that measures were being implemented to address them.

He explained that the government was collaborating with the traders' union and other stakeholders to reduce the incidents of theft.

“We have held a meeting with officials from the union and other relevant stakeholders in my office, and we agreed on strategies to enhance security.

“However, traders must understand that security is a collective responsibility, and they too need to contribute to resolving the issue.

“I suspect there may be elements of sabotage because no specific date or time for their prayers and fasting was mentioned in the letter.

“After receiving the letter, I called on the chairman of the union to meet with his officials and the ministry's management to clarify the situation.

“In addition, we have coordinated with the governor's special adviser on security, who has agreed to deploy community volunteer guards to the market,” the commissioner said.

He urged the traders to be patient and cooperative, adding that the state government was already making plans for a comprehensive rehabilitation and security upgrade of the market.