x

COVID-19 Lockdown: Food shortage hits Bayelsa as prices soar

Restrictions of movements over the coronavirus pandemic has led to shortage of staple foods and rising prices in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital.

The affected items include, sachet water which the residents depend on due to absence of potable water, grains and food condiments amongst others.

A market survey at rural and urban markets in Bayelsa at the weekend showed over 100 per cent increase in the prices of Garri, Yam, Tomatoes and other food items following measures put in place to check the spread of COVID-19.

Checks at Okordia-Zarama, a rural market and Swali market in the urban area of the state capital showed that a four-litre plastic container measure of garri which sold for N600 few days before the restrictions, now sells for N1,500.

For sachet water packaged in bags of 20 pieces which sold for N100, same now goes for N150 as dealers said the lockdown had held down supplies from neighbouring states.

Mrs Obiageli Nwafor, a housewife said that the quantity of tomatoes she usually buys at N300 now goes for N800 on Saturday due to the lockdown announce by both Rivers and Bayelsa governments.

She said that iced fish, meat, vegetables and other edible items were not left out of the upward swing in prices.

“The restrictions announced by the government which effectively closed interstate borders between Rivers and Bayelsa has caused scarcity of food in the markets as traders run out of stock.

“The traders source a lot of things consumed in Bayelsa from neigbouring states and the directive to halt inter-state travels has affected food prices and traders are capitalizing on it by exploiting the people,” Nwafor said.

She noted that the preventive measures were necessary to discourage unnecessary travels amongst the people but advised Bayelsa government to take a closer look at the directive to allow vehicles to bring in food.

According to her, although Bayelsa had not recorded any incident, the confirmed infection in Port Harcourt, the Rivers capital on Thursday, was a source of concern. (NAN)

Hot this week

Taraba LG Boss Denies Alleged Involvement in Pipeline Vandalism

By Our Correspondent Concerned citizens of Ardo-Kola Local Government Area...

Governor Yusuf Reaffirms Commitment to Transforming Kano State

By Jabiru Hassan Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf,...

FG Adopts Funding Prioritization Framework for NNPCL Tax Credit Projects

By Jabiru Hassan The Federal Ministry of Works has adopted...

A’Ibom Commissioner seeks royal support for voter registration, Gov Eno’s Arise Project

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo Traditional leaders in Akwa Ibom have been...

Sokoto Partners Livestock Insurance Firms to Boost Cattle Production

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto The Sokoto State Livestock Productivity and...

A’Ibom Commissioner seeks royal support for voter registration, Gov Eno’s Arise Project

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo Traditional leaders in Akwa Ibom have been...

Prof. Usman Ogbo Moves to Curb Rumoured Protest Over Fee Hike in Kogi Poly

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja The management of Kogi State Polytechnic,...

New Green Empowerment Initiative Visits Sokoto Education Ministry

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto The New Green Empowerment Initiative (NGEI)...

Sokoto Partners Livestock Insurance Firms to Boost Cattle Production

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto The Sokoto State Livestock Productivity and...

China Inaugurates 14th ‘Chinese Corner’ in Abuja

By Francis Wilfred The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has inaugurated...

Gov Sule Hands Over Headquarters Complex to North Central Development Commission in Lafia

By Israel Adamu, Jos Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule,...

Kogi Govt Vows to Clamp Down on Youth Aiding Bandits

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja The Kogi State Government has warned...

8th Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup Kicks Off September 18

By Anne Azuka The 8th edition of the Zenith Bank/Delta...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img