Curfew confusion takes toll on business activities in Abia, markets close from 3PM Wednesday
Real confusion is playing out across every trading angle of the popular Ariaria Market, Ahia Ohuu, Ogbo Hill, Ehi Road, Milverton Road and other adjoining highbrow trading axis in the commercial city of Aba, on Wednesday, the first day of the State governor’s curfew.
The three-day curfew declared by the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, took effect from Wednesday morning as several people stayed indoors in Aba till 6AM in compliance with the order.
Also, Wednesday afternoon, Business Hilights correspondent observed that several markets started locking up from 3PM, contrary to around 5.30 Pm during the normal period, thus creating serious traffic and confusion as several business operators said they could not make any meaningful business due to tension and time frame allowed for business.
Many of the traders and business operators who were seen locking up their shops between 3 and 4 PM said they are doing so to avoid being caught behind the enemy lines ahead of 6PM curfew time .
Business Hilights gathered that apart from the fact that only less than 40 per cent of businesses opened today, the few that opened were trading in fears and started to close not up to four hours of trading.
Further investigations from the opinion of the traders and mainly women showed that several traders may not open again this week as there is no need opening only to close in less than three to four hours of business.
Besides, the observed heavy military presence within strategic areas of the commercial hub created additional fears and anxiety on the populace and business community, and actually prompted early closure of businesses.
Business Hilights correspondent at Owerri who relocated to Aba on Wednesday, reported that many traders and business operators are forced to raise up their hands while passing though any of the military checkpoints, a scenario that has further heightened fears and feeling of invasion in the city.
However, there have been no report of riots as at 4:25PM on Wednesday
