Since the communal clash between Otor-Iwhreko and Ekuigbo communities in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State over who collects daily revenue from traders started on Monday, November 11, 2024, and several lives lost, the economy of Ughelli town has taken a significant hit.
The communal clash has created a sense of fear and uncertainty among traders and residents, leading to a decline in economic activities.
The once bustling Ughelli market is now a shadow of itself as traders are now scared to carry out their businesses due to the daily violent clashes between the two communities. This has resulted in a gross decrease in revenue for traders and other business owners, and has no doubt caused a rising economic setback as many people have lost their source and means of income and livelihood.
One of the victims, Onome aka Oyibo shot dead at Ughelli market when Iwhreko and Ekuigbo Communities engaged in gun duel over who collects market revenue
One other setback is that the crisis is gradually damaging the reputation of Ughelli town as a peaceful and safe place to do business. This could also deterred potential investors from coming to invest in the town which could be harming to the local economy.
Moreso, the ongoing clash has glaringly disrupted the supply chain of essential goods and services, causing shortages and price hikes in the market.
This reporter while roving to get on the spot assessment of happenings in the market, spoke to some of the market women who have packed their goods for fear what may happen in the next minutes, hear what they say; “This fight so, nor be them e dey affect o but na we wey be traders here.”Advertorial: Get your Nigeria rice at wholesale price for just N95k Contact 08157955783
Pointing at a basket of tomatoes she said; “See tomatoes wey I carry since, if not for the fight and the shootings, I for don sell finish, but as we dey run run everyday, na so all the tomatoes destroy finish. Another market woman on her part blamed government and leaders of both communities as she said; “Government and the community leaders nor dey try at all. Den go dey put power for small small pikin hand, people wey dey hungry and their blood na to dey fight fight, now dem don dey take food from poor mouth. You know say of us na wetin we get from the small trading we take dey feed our family daily, she asked”.
She revealed that since the market is no longer safe for them, they have resulted to hawking in the street of Ughelli main town in order to make ends meet for their families.
Others also corroborated the stance of the women saying the communal clash has put a strain on the livelihoods of poor residents, especially those who rely on the market for their daily needs.
Therefore, in order to revive the economy of Ughelli town again, it is crucial for the local government chairman, Hon. Barr. Jaro Egbo to sincerely intervene and find a peaceful resolution to the incessant clashes between Otor-Iwhreko a.d Ekuigbo Communities.
Government must ensure the safety and security of traders and residents, and take measures to rebuild trust and confidence in the local business community.
It is only through peace and stability that the economy of Ughelli town can thrive again and provide opportunities for growth and prosperity for the citizens and residents. Holistic approach and actions without sentiments must be taken and only persons with sincere and good leadership qualities must be given community powers. Not persons with mentality of extortion and imposition of outrageous taxes on peasants market traders.
