In a shocking incident that has sparked public outrage, a local hawker in Irele, Ondo State, fell victim to alleged extortion by individuals claiming to be members of the Local Government task force. The event, which occurred yesterday, has raised questions about the treatment of small-scale traders in Nigeria’s challenging economic climate.
Mariam Adekunle, a petty trader who sells fish pies, egg rolls, and doughnuts to make ends meet, found herself in a dire situation when her goods were seized by the supposed task force members. According to Adekunle, the officials demanded a payment of ₦8,000 before she could continue hawking – a sum that exceeded the total value of her goods, estimated at less than ₦4,000
“They insisted I pay ₦6,000 and another ₦2,000 before I could hawk,” Adekunle told WeAfrica News. “All my pleadings fell on deaf ears.”
The seizure of her goods left Adekunle unable to make any sales for the day, ultimately leaving her stranded in Irele without means to return to her home in Okitipupa.
An eyewitness, Mr. Babatayo Oladayo, corroborated Adekunle’s account, expressing sympathy for her plight. “She was detained and prevented from going about her business throughout the day, despite several interventions by passersby,” Oladayo stated.
The incident has drawn attention to the broader struggles faced by petty traders in Nigeria. Mr. Abayomi Ogunpe, another witness, emphasized the need for government sensitivity to the plight of the masses.
“This situation reflects the hardships many Nigerians are facing, which are even more severe than the causes of the Arab Spring,” Ogunpe noted. He warned that neglecting the struggles of ordinary citizens could lead to widespread discontent and potential unrest.
As this story continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens and the urgent need for policies that protect and support small-scale traders in these trying economic times.
