By Adadareporters
Okada riders, weekend, said their economic fortunes are becoming worse by the day following the 6pm-6am curfew imposed on Igboeze South LGA of Enugu State.
Adadareporters reported that the state government imposed the curfew due to rising cases of crimes in the area. Notable among them are the killing of policemen along Ibagwa road, and burning of BUA Cement’s truck at Ibagwa road junction. The curfew was also imposed on Igboeze North LGA for similar reasons.
Okeke Odo said, “It has not been easy. The fact is that we make more money when we operate at night. In a day under this curfew, we record an average of less that seven passengers. And passengers can price until they ensure that no gains are made.”
Another operator, Jesophat Ogbu, said, “We are simply pretending to be doing business. Nothing is happening any longer. Most of our colleagues have abandoned Okada.”
A tricycle operator, who refused to be mentioned, said, “It is only at night that we make good money. The most affected among us are those who bought their Keke on hire purchase. They are really suffering.”
A palm-wine dealer at Ibagwa said, “For now, I have stopped selling palm wine. People only drink at night after work. If I buy and it didn’t finish, it will spoil. And palm wine is becoming expensive.”
Dennis Ozioko, a retired teacher at Ibagwa, said, “We just have to abide by security measures adopted for our safety. Everything has a price. I know that once the situation normalises, businesses will start in earnest.
“The truth is that the unknown gunmen have succeeded in crippling the economy of South East. I know the enemies of progress must be happy. Our people should also be wiser not to be used to destroy our land from within.”
