Some desperate Kano residents on Thursday thronged the Kofar Wambai and Kantin Kwari in disregard to measures to curb spread of COVID-19 in Kano State, particularly on social and physical distancing.
The News Agency Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State Government had on May 2, relaxed the lockdown and approved Mondays and Thursdays for shopping between 10 a.m and 4 p.m.
The state government had approved two perishable produce markets and some designated superstores to open their doors for businesses during the relaxation period.
A NAN correspondent, who monitored activities at Kofar Wambai and Kantin Kwari textile markets, reports that customers trooped to the markets to make rush hour purchases, but without observing social distancing and other safety protocols.
Although, all entry points to the markets were sealed by the security personnel, traders and customers mostly defied the lockdown order to make transaction outside the market premises.
A number of temporary sale outlets, which sprung up in and around the markets’ premises, attracted scores of customers rushing to buy children wares, shoes and other clothing materials for adults.
Mrs Amina Ishaq, one of the customers, said she was at the market to buy dresses for her children for the forthcoming Sallah celebration.
She, however, blamed sellers for hike in prices, adding that the sellers are taking advantage of the lockdown to exploit consumers.
Similarly, Musa Isa, another customers, said that prolong closure of the markets resulted in unnecessary inflation in commodity prices.
Malam Aminu Maikanti, a children wears vendor, said he made good sales in spite of the short period of time approved for the easing of the lockdown.
Maikanti noted that it was practically impossible for the traders and customers to observe social distancing, due to poor arrangements of temporary sale outlets.
“The state government shut down the markets and you don’t expect people to adhere to social distancing and safety protocols in this situation,” he said.
