SAFEGUARDING TRADERS: Road Woes Push Livestock Sellers to Reduce Prices
In the northern part of Nigeria, particularly on the old Ogbomoso-Oyo road, a daunting issue has arisen. Due to its deplorable condition, traders transporting livestock and perishables are resorting to selling off their goods at extremely low prices. This distressing reality has been reported by Media Talk Africa.
According to our correspondent, numerous lives have been lost as a direct consequence of this neglected road condition. And, it seems, the sufferings continue as many passengers are still forced to use the old, damaged road, despite the long-overdue completion of the new Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbnomso-Ilorin expressway.
On Thursday, a trailer accident on the roadem to Ogbomoso resulted in the tragic death of four people. This incident highlights the severe consequences of the road’s deplorable state. In the midst of this chaos, our investigation revealed that many traders are left with no choice but to reduce their prices, often at the expense of their livelihood.
One Ogbomoso indigene, Mr. Adebowale Akindele, recounts his own experience of purchasing a goat from a stranded truck at a steeply discounted price. “Livestock like goat, sheep, and cattle, as well as other perishable goods, are being disposed of by traders from the northern part of the country at reduced prices to residents of Ogbomoso,” he said.
Meanwhile, a trader from Sokoto lamented the circumstances, stating, “We are selling the animals at low prices because they are distressed. The long travel and hold-ups in Ogbomoso cause heavy strain on the animals, making them die, so we have to dispose of some of them.”
In a desperate bid to avoid total losses, some traders have resorted to selling off their livestock at a fraction of their original value. For instance, a he-goat typically priced between N35,000 and N40,000 is now being sold as low as N10,000, a stark contrast to its original market price.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Nigerian government is urged to prioritize the completion of the new Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbnomso-Ilorin expressway, ensuring the well-being of traders, travelers, and residents alike.
