Igbo traders in Calabar shut down markets to protest rampant insecurity

Igbo traders in Calabar, the Cross River State Capital have commenced a two day strike to protest the rampant and rising levels of insecurity, particularly kidnapping in the Metropolis.

The traders who have been at the receiving end of the crisis are appealing to the state government to come to their aid and end the menace.

As early as 7am Monday, several shops across the Metropolis were under lock and key and several traders standing in clusters to lament their plight.

Investigations around the city, showed that all shops along the business districts particularly Bedwell street, Goldie, Hewett, IBB Way were closed for business.

Similarly major markets like Watt Market and Ika Ika Oqua market were largely shut and customers were left frustrated with the closure.

Speaking on the strike action, Mr David Essien, Vice Chairman, Electrical Traders Union, Bedwell, Calabar, he said all shops are shut down in the metropolis because the state of insecurity was getting out of hand.

Essien said formerly, it used to be oil workers and billionaires that used to be kidnapped but presently, even common traders were being kidnapped.

“We are calling on the state government to enforce the anti-kidnapping law in the state so that the traders can be at peace and carryout their businesses because they are controlling a certain percentage of the economy of the state.

“Calabar is becoming too porous , we want the governor to beef-up security so that they can take control of all the loopholes.

“Locking down our shops for two days is a sacrifice to make the governor hear our voice, two days will not kill us, he said.

Similarly, Mr Obi Ajuluchukwu, Chairman Spare Parts Dealers Association Calabar appealed to government to look into the heightened level of kidnapping in the state.

“Calabar used to be a peaceful haven but today, 15 of our members have relocated to Akwa Ibom, so, a two day warning strike will not kill us,” he said.