The popular Yankalli Market, a major commodity markets in Jos, Plateau State, has been taken over by Security operatives including soldiers, police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). They took positions there to foil the threat by hoodlums to break into the market to cart away food and other items. The joint security forces was hinted about the plan, which threw traders into panic. But the authorities deployed the security there to forestall the dreaded attack.
Alabo Alfred, Spokesperson of the state police command, DSP, who confirmed the incident said, We got the information early and with the support of some people in the market and we were able to suppress the attempt. The operation was effectively led by the Area Commander of the area and was successful.
Alhaji Jamilu Kabiru, chairman of a traders association said: We had heard on Thursday that hoodlums from Gangare, Rikkos, and other places would attack the market to loot food items on the ground that we sell the commodities at high prices. We didnt take the rumor for granted and quickly reported the case to the security agencies that swiftly intervened. We had to sleep with our eyes open in the market to keep vigilance with the security.
We are not the cause of inflation. The price rise is not because of us. Our goods are always bought from companies. The increase is always from the companies. In addition, when you buy commodities from Lagos, you have to hire a truck for a price of over two million naira. What you spend on transporting the commodities to your destination, you divide the expenditure by the number of commodities, and thats how the price is increasing. It is not our fault. We want people to understand that.
In our market, we centrally control the price of goods. It is a competitive market where everyone is struggling to sell and bring new goods. People should please understand with us.
