Some residents of Ilorin have on Tuesday called for palliatives to cushion the effect of the stay at home order I posed by the State Government.
They complained of lack of money to buy food for themselves and their children, which they said is as a result of the lockdown policy to prevent spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) to the state.
The Kwara Government had on March 23, directed residents to stay-at-home to complement Federal Government effort at containing COVID-19 pandemic.
The restriction in movement affected all commercial vehicles, including government, private and public offices and shops, with exceptions of food, provisions and pharmaceutical shops.
Speaking with NAN in Ilorin, Mr Saheed Olapeju, a vehicle repairer said that the action taken by the government is commendable, but there is need to make preparation for the lower class, as most of them depend on their daily income.
“We rely on our hard earned money, through the work of our hands, but with this disease that the world is battling with, we had to stay indoor and there is no other means to provide for ourselves and our family
“Many of us have finished the little food we have at home and there is no how we can work and get money to buy another food. We are broke and stranded
“Government should come to our aid, so that we will not fall ill as a result of hunger,” he said.
Mr Tope Isa, a foot wear seller, said that the government only allowed those that are selling food, drinks and medicine store, which he said has affected the living condition of other businessmen.
“We do not know when this stay-at-home will last, and we did not plan for it, which is the reason why many of us have started asking for help from the rich people in our area.
“It is shameful to ask for help, but more painful not to get assistance from those you relied on, and those you believed can help,” he said.
A trader, Madam Iya Tawa said that there is poor sales, adding that many people are complaining of no money and are begging to buy on credit, for them to pay later.
“Even those of us that are allowed to sell drinks and provisions are finding it difficult to sell well, as many of our customers are complaining of no money, since they could not open their shops
“Some youths have started behaving cunny, thereby looking for how to maneuver their way to buy one thing and steal three other things in the process.
“This is so unfortunate. We plead to government to assist us by all means and reduce this hunger that is already affecting us,” she said.
Some youths have started stopping vehicles in Oja-Oba market, Ilorin, begging for money to buy food, while others are sited by the road sides looking dejected. (NAN)
