Onion traders to cut supplies to South-East by Monday

The Onion Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (OPMAN), has threatened to cut off supplies of its products to the South-East region by Monday, June 7, if the Federal Government fails to respond to the association’s demands.

OPMAN had made some demands to the government to compensate its member who had suffered losses as a result of attacks on them by hoodlums in the South-East.

Other demands included the restoration of law and order in those areas as well as a thorough investigation to uncover the remote causes of those responsible for attacks on their members.

In a statement on Sunday by OPMAN’s President, Aliyu Isa, and made available to Ripples Nigeria, the organisation called on host communities in the region to respect the constitutional rights of northern traders in their respective states.

READ ALSO: Coalition of northern groups urge Nigerian govt to allow South-East have Biafra

Isa noted that members of the association have lost onions and property worth N4.5 billion in various attacks in the South-East and should be compensated.

“During the Aba crisis in Abia State, OPMAN lost three members, while about 30 trailers, nine utility cars, 50 stores and 10,000 bags of onion, among other valuables belonging to their members, were destroyed.

“In Shasa, Oyo State, 27 lives, five trailers, 5,600 bag of Onions, 12 utility vehicles and other valuables were lost while in Imo State, our members lost over N13 million worth of onions recently after they were attacked and robbed by hoodlums.

“After full deliberation by the executive members of this association and the failure of government to respond to our cry, we have resolved that we are shutting down the supply of onions to the entire South by Monday, June 7, 2021, unless all our demands are met.”

By Isaac Dachen

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